How organizational resources may inhibit the internationalization of older SMEs

Recent studies highlight the importance of organizational resources on the internationalization of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In recent years, much of this research has been dominated by studies on international new ventures – firms that internationalize from their inception. Few studies have examined how the resources currently owned by older SMEs might hinder their internationalization. Evidence suggests that firms which internationalize later in their life cycle will have resources, routines and structures in place which may prevent them from internationalizing. Against this background, this paper will explore how the resources owned by older SMEs may inhibit their internationalization. It was concluded that resources such as top management, networks and knowledge, which have previously been associated with increased and rapid internationalization, may inhibit internationalization of older SMEs.