Navigating the internationalization process: Strategic resources for early internationalizing firms

Abstract Despite an increasing number of studies identifying factors that influence the internationalization process for early internationalizing firms (EIFs), it remains unclear which these numerous could play a strategic role and, more specifically, when. This paper develops new conceptual framework anchored in resource-based view to identify resources can explain EIFs’ accurately over time. Building on systematic literature review based 102 papers covering period 29 years, we methodically present phase-by-phase observation relevance different influential resources. The results highlight importance shift from individual organizational resources, occurs at critical phase transition entry post-entry phase. Studying evolution along four phases allows us determine progress EIFs through their is closely linked resources’ development process. study suggests some promising research avenues, theoretical and methodological levels, series concrete recommendations intended entrepreneurs and/or managers EIFs.