Born-digital: The Internationalisation path of digital firms

Abstract

While digital firms are playing an increasingly important role in the world economy, their international expansion remains an emergent topic for international business researchers. We still lack a clear understanding of the characteristics and patterns of internationalisation by digital firms. This study aims to address this research gap by examining the path of digital firms’ international expansion. Applying the research methods of tabulation analysis and mini case study, our study reveals that digital firms expand into foreign markets in a way that significantly differs from conventional brick-and-mortar firms, thus questioning explanations provided by extant internationalisation theories. Three patterns of digital firms’ internationalization are identified. Based on analysis of archival data, this study contributes to theoretical development of internationalisation theory and provides guidance to managers of digital firms creating and implementing international expansion strategies.