RT Journal Article
T1 Internationalization business models and patterns of SMES and MNES: a qualitative multi-case study in the agrifood sector
T2 Modelos de Internacionalización de los negocios y patrones de PYMEs y EMNs: Un estudio multi-caso cualitativo en el sector Agroalimentario
A1 Ramírez-García, Carolina
A1 García Álvarez de Perea, Juan
A1 Del Cubo-Molina, Aida
K1 International SMEs
K1 International business models
K1 Internationalization archetypes
K1 Management control systems
K1 Innovation
AB Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) in the agri-food sector have been overcoming internationalization barriers. However, research is scarce, specifically to meet the Sustainable Development Goals, despite the importance of the sector. The main aim of our study is to explore the archetypes and internationalization pace of internationalized SMEs and MNEs in the agri-food sector, adopting an external perspective and an empirical approach. More particularly, the influence of the interaction of demand-side innovation and management control systems (MCSs) in companies in the industry is examined. A qualitative research design was developed in order to achieve an in-depth understanding of the contextual factors affecting international SMEs and MNEs in the agri-food sector. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with three SME and three MNE managers. Our findings suggest that SMEs are not fundamentally different from MNEs—both types of organizations best fit the Casino model archetype. It was also found that strong competition helps the development of collaborative innovation, directing advancement toward fulfilling consumer demand. MCSs are neither communicating information nor managing perceived risks by creating trust and confidence; they are mostly used for diagnostic purposes, not substantially influencing the innovation process.
PB MDPI
YR 2019
FD 2019-05-14
LK https://hdl.handle.net/10433/22674
UL https://hdl.handle.net/10433/22674
LA en
NO García-Álvarez de Perea, J., Ramírez-García, C., & Del Cubo-Molina, A. (2019). Internationalization Business Models and Patterns of SMEs and MNEs: A Qualitative Multi-Case Study in the Agrifood Sector. Sustainability, 11(10), 2755. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11102755
NO Artículo también financiado por la Junta de Andalucía, proyectos SEJ111 y SEJ1933
NO Departamento de Economía Financiera y Contabilidad
DS RIO
RD May 9, 2026