The Role of Networks in The Early Internationalization of Emerging Market Firms: Evidence From Turkish Textile-Born Globals With Social-Business Networks Perspective

Abstract

This study examines the role of networks in the early internationalization of born-global firms operating in the textile sector in Turkey, which is seen as a developing country market, from the perspective of social and business networks, using a dual focus and case-based approach. This study, organized based on the research gap on the early internationalization behaviors of SMEs in developing countries and low- tech sectors, contributes to the internationalization literature by addressing the subject from a developing country market and a traditional industry. Research shows that networks are essential for the early internationalization of born global firms. What companies obtain from network relationships in internationalization; emerges under seven headings: defining foreign market opportunities and creating market information, choosing a foreign market and entry methods, overcoming resource constraints and reducing risk, operational support, access to critical actors, moral support, and trust. Although it has been found that both social and business networks are effective in early and rapid internationalization, this effect cannot be easily categorized in terms of importance.