Facilitating internationalization through business models - A multiple case study of Swedish Cleantech SMEs

Abstract

Globalization has seen an increase in the last decades and has increased the need for sustainable development and sustainable technologies in light of energy shortages. Cleantech is the definition of innovations reducing the environmental impact and Sweden is one of the leading actors within the segment. Hence, there are a lot of opportunities for Swedish cleantech firms to internationalize and globally scale and create value through their businesses. In a theoretical perspective, the firm's business model defines how firms create value and is divided into different dimensions enlightening different characteristics enabling value. Internationalization and business models interplay with each other but are usually investigated separately. Thus, a research gap is discovered and to address the research gap, seven interviews have been conducted with Swedish cleantech SMEs to explore how their business models have developed or changed for facilitating their internationalization and what dimensions their business models have been of importance for internationalization. The findings show that internationalization and business models interplay with each other where networks are an integral part for the growth, development and internationalization of firms. Furthermore, both internationalization and changes in the business model occur naturally where firms both use business model innovation and business model replication to different extents on different dimensions of the business model. Moreover, the most important dimensions of the business model assisting firms competitive advantages is seen to be replicated to later on be innovated as firms learn, gain knowledge and experience.re