Digitalisering och dess verkan under internationaliseringsprocessen : En kvalitativ studie om hur småföretag upplever att digitalisering påverkar internationaliseringsprocessen

Sammanfattning: The internationalization process is a well-researched and explored topic. However, many older models do not consider digitization as a phenomenon. Nor is any further consideration given to the smaller companies. The aim of this study is to investigate how small businesses feel that they are affected by digitalization during an internationalization process. In order to find an answer to this, a qualitative study has been done where a total of three people have been interviewed from three different companies. Based on these interviews, an analysis has been made which has then been analyzed in the context of the theoretical background. Theories used in the study to be able to fulfill the aim includes theories about Mental distance, Liability of Foreignness, Liability of Outsidership and other theories about growth, internationalization and digitalization. The conclusion drawn is that digitalization has simplified the internationalization process, mainly through progress in how knowledge can be collected and shared over greater distances. Digitalization has facilitated contact with the contact network through simpler and alternative contact channels.