Born Global Master Thesis
Growth Phases and Survival of Born Globals - Case: Finnish Software Firms
International Business Master 's thesis Shiho Hashimoto 2011
Department of Marketing and Management Aalto University School of Economics
ABSTRACT
Helsinki: AALTO UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS, 2011 International Business: Master’s Thesis Shiho Hashimoto
Objectives of the Research
This study was part of the “Born Global Growth and Survival” joint project by Aalto University School of Economics and University of Vaasa. Based on a literature review and an empirical research, the growth phases of Born Global firms and factors that influence the growth and survival of these firms are introduced. This particular thesis contributes by focusing specifically on the Born Global firms in the software business. The literature review covers such topics as international business, management, growth, cycles, and internationalization. Software business in general and particularly in Finland is additionally discussed.
Method of Research
The empirical research of this thesis is based on a multiple case study of four Finnish software firms, three Born Globals and one Born International. A central tool used is the preliminary conceptual framework that was devised based on the extensive literature review.
Findings and Conclusions
Research findings suggest that commercial and global breakthrough of Born Global software firms is positively related to the industry growth rate, industry globalization drivers, the amount of firm resources and managerial experience, the existence of substantive, dynamic, and networking capabilities, high-levels of entrepreneurial orientation, compatibility with dominant players in the market, lock-in effects, appropriate software business models and growth strategies, existence of luck, internationalization and localization capabilities, and creativity. The maturity and global rationalization in turn is found to be positively related to increased global seller
International Business Master 's thesis Shiho Hashimoto 2011
Department of Marketing and Management Aalto University School of Economics
ABSTRACT
Helsinki: AALTO UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS, 2011 International Business: Master’s Thesis Shiho Hashimoto
Objectives of the Research
This study was part of the “Born Global Growth and Survival” joint project by Aalto University School of Economics and University of Vaasa. Based on a literature review and an empirical research, the growth phases of Born Global firms and factors that influence the growth and survival of these firms are introduced. This particular thesis contributes by focusing specifically on the Born Global firms in the software business. The literature review covers such topics as international business, management, growth, cycles, and internationalization. Software business in general and particularly in Finland is additionally discussed.
Method of Research
The empirical research of this thesis is based on a multiple case study of four Finnish software firms, three Born Globals and one Born International. A central tool used is the preliminary conceptual framework that was devised based on the extensive literature review.
Findings and Conclusions
Research findings suggest that commercial and global breakthrough of Born Global software firms is positively related to the industry growth rate, industry globalization drivers, the amount of firm resources and managerial experience, the existence of substantive, dynamic, and networking capabilities, high-levels of entrepreneurial orientation, compatibility with dominant players in the market, lock-in effects, appropriate software business models and growth strategies, existence of luck, internationalization and localization capabilities, and creativity. The maturity and global rationalization in turn is found to be positively related to increased global seller
References: Academic Literature Add2Phone Oy, 2001 185 Laanti, R., 2004 191 Smartner Information Systems Oy, September 5, 2001 Seppo Salorinne Former Product Manager at Smartner, currently Director, Product Management at SEVEN (2004-present) Founder & Former CEO of Add2Phone, currently Managing Director of More Finland Founder & Former CTO Feb. 22, 2010 Helsinki Jan. 26, 2010 Jan. 28, 2010 Helsinki Helsinki