The evolution of the domestic network configuration as a driver of international relationships in SMEs

Abstract

The objective of this research is to study the influence of the evolution of the domestic clustered network on the development of the international relationships of firms. Building on international business theory and the dynamic geographically bounded networks approach, and using a social network analysis methodology, we analyse how increasing the number of contacts and the betweenness role of the firm, as well as the diversity and density of the domestic network, can allow firms to more easily establish international links.