Internationalization of Least Developed Country Firms: A Case Study on the Bangladeshi Pharmaceutical Industry.
Author
Nahar, Atkiya Madeha
Term
4. Semester
Publication year
2026
Abstract
This thesis examines how Bangladeshi pharmaceutical firms internationalize from a Least Developed Country (LDC) context within a highly regulated global industry. Using a qualitative multi-case design, it draws on in-depth interviews with senior export managers from four leading firms and analyzes the data through the Gioia methodology, informed by the Uppsala model, institutional theory, and business model adaptation literature. The analysis finds that firms predominantly pursue export-led entry while facing long and complex regulatory approval processes, and that international certifications and strong partnerships are critical supports for expansion. Key enablers include the TRIPS waiver, which allows production of generic medicines, WHO prequalification that signals product quality, and opportunities created by donor procurement programs; major barriers include negative perceptions of country of origin, weak institutional support at home, and stringent foreign regulatory requirements. The study maps modes, drivers, and obstacles of LDC firm internationalization and discusses how Bangladesh’s graduation from LDC status may shape the sector’s future competitiveness, offering insights for both managers and policymakers.
Dette speciale undersøger, hvordan farmaceutiske virksomheder fra Bangladesh internationaliserer fra et udgangspunkt som et mindst udviklet land (LDC) i en globalt stærkt reguleret branche. Med udgangspunkt i et kvalitativt fler-case design gennemføres dybdegående interviews med senior eksportchefer fra fire førende virksomheder og data analyseres ved hjælp af Gioia-metodologien, informeret af Uppsala-modellen, institutionel teori og litteratur om forretningsmodeltilpasning. Analysen viser, at virksomhederne primært anvender eksportbaserede indgangsstrategier og møder lange, komplekse regulatoriske processer ved markedsadgang, mens internationale certificeringer og stærke partnerskaber understøtter ekspansionen. Centrale enablers omfatter TRIPS-fritagelsen, der muliggør produktion af generiske lægemidler, WHO-prækvalifikation, der styrker tillid til kvalitet, samt muligheder via donorkøbsprogrammer; væsentlige barrierer er negative opfattelser af oprindelsesland, svag hjemlig institutionsstøtte og strenge udenlandske reguleringskrav. Studiet kortlægger dermed internationaliseringsmåder, drivkræfter og hæmmende faktorer for LDC-virksomheder og diskuterer, hvordan Bangladeshs graduering fra LDC-status kan påvirke sektorens fremtidige konkurrenceevne, med implikationer for både virksomheder og beslutningstagere.
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