Examining the link between international business networks and performance in international trade - A research agenda

This paper puts forward a conceptual model for analysing networks in the context of SME internationalisation. The research question is to investigate how network theory contributes to our understanding of SME internationalisation and to measure the effect of network activities on performance in international trade. The paper firstly discusses SMEs in the context of international trade: this is followed by a discussion of the main theories on SME internationalisation. Network theory is then discussed, followed by a description of the conceptual model. The paper concludes with an outline of the research and managerial implications emanating from the model.