Beyond Boundaries: Empowering Family SMEs' International Growth through Digital Platforms' Architecture and Governanc

Abstract

Exporting to multiple countries can help family SMEs achieve growth through economies of scale. However, they frequently encounter difficulties when exporting to multiple countries due to their lack of managerial expertise and international experience. Although forming relationships with partners in foreign markets can provide access to new knowledge that facilitates their international growth, they may avoid forming such relationships to protect their socio-emotional wealth (SEW). Therefore, it is crucial for family SMEs to establish network relationships that can support their international expansion while also safeguarding their SEW. While Digital Platforms have the potential to facilitate family SMEs' internationalization and preserve their SEW, there is limited research on which characteristics of digital platforms can effectively enable internationalization processes in family SMEs. Thus, we propose a research model that describes how digital platforms with effective modular architecture and governance mechanisms can act as strategic partners in facilitating family SMEs’ internationalization process while also safeguarding their SEW.