Call for papers: "Internationalisation and Competitiveness of Emerging Economy Firms"

For a special issue of the International Journal of Business and Emerging Markets.

Enhancing competitiveness of emerging economy firms has been held up by scholars as an important motivation for the international expansion of emerging economy firms. Competency seeking, for example, has been attributed as a more pronounced motive for the international expansion of emerging economy firms, whereas competency exploiting is typically considered the dominant motive for the international expansion of advanced economy firms.

There is, however, a dearth of studies that have documented empirical evidence on the relationship between international expansion and the subsequent strengthening of emerging economy firm competitiveness. This special issue seeks to promote and publish research that addresses this void.

Theoretically grounded empirical studies are preferred. Carefully developed theoretical papers are also welcome. Studies can be focused on firms from one or more emerging economies. To maintain consistency and shared understanding, countries classified by the International Monetary Fund as emerging market and developing economies would be considered as emerging economies for the purpose of this special issue.

Suitable topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

• How does foreign expansion enhance the competitiveness of emerging economy firms in their home country markets and in international markets?
• Does the relationship between foreign expansion and the subsequent enhancement of emerging economy firm competitiveness vary by international entry/expansion mode such as exports, joint ventures and wholly owned operations?
• Can we empirically document the relationship between different modes of international expansion and various measures of emerging economy firm competitiveness (e.g. market share, productivity relative to competitors, and profitability relative to competitors) after allowing for time lags necessary for the development of competencies?
• Does foreign expansion into advanced economies and other emerging economies contribute differently to the competitiveness of emerging economy firms?

Important Dates

Manuscript submission: 30 April, 2015