Born global and born-again global firms: A comparison of internationalization patterns

Abstract

This chapter reports the results of research that identifi es and compares two patterns of internationalization that may be found among smaller fi rms: born global fi rms (which internationalize rapidly soon after their founding), and born- again global fi rms (which exist as domestic fi rms for a long time before rapidly internationalizing). Both patterns share the characteristic of rapid and intensive internationalization, but the fi rst type of fi rm enters foreign markets as a new venture, while the latter does so much later in its life cycle.