The Utilisation of Capabilities in Born Globals’ Internationalisation Process - A Multiple Case Study of Swedish Born Globals

Abstract: The subject of research in this paper is born globals’ utilisation of capabilities in their internationalisation process. The purpose of this multiple case study is to gain a deeper understanding of what and how capabilities Swedish born globals utilise when expanding abroad. Prior research relating to born globals and capabilities is dispersed and additional studies relating to born globals’ internationalisation is needed. In the field of capabilities, the attention has mainly been directed towards established companies whereas studies relating to new ventures capabilities remains under researched. The study is executed through a multiple case study of six Swedish born global firms. The findings of the multiple case study indicate that networking capabilities and internally focused learning capabilities seem to be utilised to a great extent by the examined case companies. The internally focused learning capabilities enables the firms to develop superior products and have a higher degree of adaptability in comparison with competitors. Furthermore, the networking capabilities are utilised by the born global firms in order to cope with uncertainties and exploit new business opportunities. In addition, the findings show that logistics capabilities for non-IT born globals can be a prerequisite for their internationalisation due to its need to deliver product worldwide in a timely and cost-effective manner.