Explaining Rapid Internationalization Process of Emerging Economy Firms: The case of Suzlon Energy

Abstract: Extensive theoretical and empirical studies have been elaborated regarding internationalization with the analysis of different features. Investigations have just recently started to explore the firms from emerging economies that have significantly being internationalized. The main purpose of our study is to deepen the knowledge about the companies that internationalize rapidly and we highlight the potential factors that lead to early internationalization and/or continuously rapid internationalization, especially for firms from emerging economies. First, the definition of rapid internationalization is presented and discussed. Second, the driving forces leading a firm to internationalize rapidly are investigated. Specifically, a qualitative research is conducted with the use of a single case study: Suzlon Energy, an Indian company. The information is collected mainly through secondary data. After introducing the existing theoretical framework, we test how it can be applied to our company case. Finally, we develop our conceptual model from the confrontation between the case and existing theories. New findings emerge which complement the existing concepts that are mainly focused on firms from mature markets, early internationalization and outward internationalization.