The role of networks during internationalization processes: An analysis of accessing resources for international performance and growth.

Various types of business and social networks are discussed as crucial to overcome obstacles of internationalization in order to compensate insufficient findings related to the accessibility of resources through different types of networks. This knowledge is important to generate because resources are even considered to have positive impacts on international performance and growth of companies. Overcoming obstacles of internationalization is achieved through the sharing of various resources that are beneficial for internationalization processes. A web-based survey is conducted among companies operating in the health technology industry in order to gain additional insights related to the accessibility of resources through business networks, that are either self-established or founded by a third party, and social networks. Moreover, it is evaluated what type of resources improves the outcome of international performance and growth best. It is found that self-established business networks offer sufficient access to resources whereas third-party founded business networks and social networks provide only limited access. Financial resources are not provided through any of the discussed networks. However, especially smaller companies founded after the year 2000 profit from the accessibility of resources through networks. Moreover, market, reputational, human and physical resources are identified to have the most significant impact on the outcome of a company’s international performance. The size of the research sample does not allow any analysis related to the impact of resources on international growth.Going Global - Innovative strategies for international growt