Which factors trigger the decision to expand abroad for SMEs? A comparison between Australia and Belgium
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- This thesis examines the differences and similarities between the factors triggering the decision to expand abroad for small and medium enterprises in Belgium and in Australia. The research question aims to uncover these factors and compare their importance between the two countries. For this purpose, a comprehensive analysis encompassing both qualitative and quantitative methods is conducted, involving surveys and interviews with companies located in both countries. The analyses will provide an overview of the characteristics of the internationalization journey of the interviewed companies and their market penetration. It will then compare the importance of external and international factors based on the country where the companies are headquartered. The conclusion highlights that the internationalization journey differs between Belgian and Australian companies, except regarding their entry strategy. It also shows that the most significant factors, namely spontaneous foreign orders, type of products and/or services provided, and the entrepreneurial orientation of the top management, have a similar importance in the two countries. However, other factors influencing slightly less the decision-making process differ.