How does the use of digital tools shape the internationalization for SMEs and what are the barriers?
Author
Liu, Katrine
Term
4. Semester
Publication year
2026
Abstract
This thesis investigates how digital tools shape the internationalization of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the barriers they face in this process. Focusing on three Danish fashion companies – Astrid Frank, Noella and Bareen – it applies a qualitative research design based on semi-structured interviews. The analysis is guided by the Uppsala model, born global theory, network theory and the Technology Organization Environment framework to explore how digitalization interacts with firms’ paths to international growth. The findings indicate that digital tools, including e-commerce platforms and social media, enable faster entry into foreign markets with lower resource and financial requirements compared with traditional internationalization. Digitalization strengthens market access, customer engagement and brand visibility, but also introduces challenges such as intensified competition, dependence on digital platforms, demands for advanced digital capabilities, and exposure to cybersecurity and data protection risks. The thesis concludes that digital tools are crucial facilitators of SME internationalization, yet successful international expansion additionally depends on organizational readiness, strategic capabilities and continuous adaptation to evolving technological and regulatory environments.
Denne afhandling undersøger, hvordan digitale værktøjer påvirker internationaliseringen af små og mellemstore virksomheder (SMV’er), og hvilke barrierer de møder i processen. Med udgangspunkt i tre danske modevirksomheder – Astrid Frank, Noella og Bareen – anvendes en kvalitativ metode baseret på semistrukturerede interviews. Analysen tager afsæt i Uppsala-modellen, born global-teori, netværksteori og Technology Organization Environment-rammen for at belyse samspillet mellem digitalisering og international vækst. Resultaterne viser, at digitale værktøjer, herunder e-handelsplatforme og sociale medier, muliggør hurtigere markedsindtræden i udlandet med lavere ressource- og kapitalbehov end ved traditionel internationalisering. Digitalisering forbedrer adgang til nye markeder, kundeengagement og brandeksponering, men skaber samtidig udfordringer i form af øget konkurrence, afhængighed af digitale platforme, krav til digitale kompetencer samt risici relateret til cybersikkerhed og datahåndtering. Afhandlingen konkluderer, at digitale værktøjer spiller en central rolle i at lette SMV’ers internationalisering, men at succesfuld international ekspansion også forudsætter organisatorisk parathed, strategiske kapabiliteter og løbende tilpasning til teknologiske og regulatoriske forandringer.
[This abstract has been generated with the help of AI directly from the project full text]