Résumé

This article investigates on internationalizing SME, originating from innovation-driven economies in Western Europe, which pursue business activities in the very distant and emerging Southeast Asian world region. Theory suggests that SME internationalize in a gradual and stepwise process, thus distant markets are accessed once the firm already disposes over a high involvement and expertise on closer foreign markets. In addition, poorly working or non-functioning institutions impede SME’s access to emerging economies. Nevertheless, a small population of SME from distant OECD countries can be found operating successfully in such countries. An in-depth investigation on the internationalization patterns of Swiss SME in Southeast Asia reveals a leading role of Singapore as a major entry hub and a place for supra-regional headquarters. Oftentimes, they serve clients from the surrounding emerging economies out of their Singaporean office. Additionally, many SME with supra-regional headquarters or representative offices in Singapore dispose over additional offices, production-sites or partners in the emerging hinterlands. In contrast to their offices in Singapore, these subsidiaries are principally servicing (national) markets of proximity or they are production-sites. The following contribution describes a representative sample of Swiss SME in Southeast Asia in a qualitative approach and depicts three distinc tpatterns about the role of their office or business representative in Singapore.

Einzelheiten

Aktionen