Make way for the Artificial Intelligence train : A qualitative case study investigating the internationalization of Swedish AI firms, as well as the drivers and barriers affecting their process.

Sammanfattning: The purpose of this thesis was to investigate and analyse the internationalization of Swedish SMEs operating within the artificial intelligence industry, as well as to identify the drivers and barriers that influence the process. The methodology chosen for the research was to conduct a qualitative multiple case study with different Swedish AI firms with international operations through an abductive approach. The theoretical framework was established based on different theories related to internationalization, drivers and barriers. With the theoretical framework, a conceptual model was created to illustrate how the parts are connected. In the empirical chapter, the primary data is presented by the different cases, further constructed by the logical order of internationalization, drivers and barriers. The analysis chapter thereafter presents a discussion of differences and similarities between theory and the empirical findings. The thesis concludes that there are a variety of different specific and general drivers and barriers that influence the firms. The findings display that there are a lot of international opportunities for AI, and the firms' growth and profit goals, the managerial’ international drive and vision, a limited domestic market and external interest and investment made the firms internationalize. The combination of the factors also influenced the firms to take a rapid approach to internationalization and seek markets with the highest potential for profit. The thesis findings further emphasize that the capability to create valuable contacts and establish a position in networks tend to be an important factor of success. Concluding, theoretical and practical implications and also suggestions for future research are presented.