The Internationalization of Born-Digital Companies

Abstract

The impact of the digitalization phenomenon on international entrepreneurship and international business has, until now, received little attention from the research community, and the major models of internationalization do not fully address the digitalized type of company. In response, this chapter aims to conceptualize the idea that the emergence of born-digitals presents a distinct phenomenon of an internationalizing enterprise. We do so using an explorative approach based on a conceptual framework. We conduct the study through a conceptual, theoretical research model, classifying born-digital firms on two dimensions: their degree of digitalization and their degree of internationalization. The theoretical contributions of this research are to offer a descriptive approach to the new phenomenon formed by international born-digital firms, and to help develop the corresponding firm typology. In terms of management, this research suggests a series of strategies used by born-digital companies, strategies that can be helpful in facilitating entrepreneurial opportunities for a leaner internationalization process.