The Influence Of Location And Product Innovation On Internationalisation - Insights From New Zealand's SMEs In The Outdoor Sport Goods Industry : New pathways good sports good business

International audienceThis research builds on theory around location-based and firm-based advantages. It investigates the role of location as a source of country-specific advantages (CSAs) and the role of product innovation as a source of firm-specific advantages (FSAs) with regards to firm internationalisation. The context of this research is New Zealand based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the outdoor sport goods industry, particularly the sub sectors yachting and outdoor clothing. The results provide insights for both researchers and practitioners in international business and sports business. The first key finding is that New Zealand as location matters. SMEs in the outdoor sport goods industry tend to rely their strategies on CSAs that are based on the location. Secondly, a strong connection between product innovation and internationalisation is suggested. High levels of internationalisation are found for firms that rely their strategy on location-based advantages and product innovation. The yachting sector as cluster in New Zealand is confirmed. Further research is recommended on cluster in the outdoor sport goods industry in other locations