The Role of Business Intelligence in the Internationalisation process of SMEs

This article examines the role of Business Intelligence (BI) in the internationalisation process of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). It discusses the benefits and drawbacks of using BI in overseas markets and highlights the importance of BI in exploring foreign countries and its positive effect on the export ability of SMEs.

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There has been substantial rise in SMEs that use BI solutions. The use of BI solutions in the
process of internationalization of process of SMEs has not been explored comprehensively. The
approach recommended by Wolfswinkel, Furtmueller, and Wilderom, (2013) has been used in
the study by Jacobsen and Van Vugt (2017) to carry out the review. A comprehensive theoretical
framework of specific research topics has also been undertaken. Based on the literature review,
there is indeed a rise in the internationalization of SMEs even though there are drawbacks in
entering a foreign market (Reijonen, Laukkanen, Komppula, & Tuominen, 2012). Some of the
drawbacks include the risk, lack of control, and inadequate information about the foreign market
(Laufs and Schwens, 2014). As a result, there is uncertainty about the internationalization of
SMEs. But according to the Uppsala model, SMEs usually expand to a foreign market in a less
competitive country. This approach minimizes the uncertainty level and the absence of data
about the foreign nation (Forsgren, 2016). Therefore, internationalization takes place only when
there is a relatively low risk and uncertainty for the SME. Additionally, there is a limited role of
BI in the internationalization of SMEs, but the use of BI is important in exploring oversea
countries and it has a positive effect on the export ability of an SME (Miocevic, & Crnjak‐
Karanovic, 2011; Senik, & Sham, 2011; Segaro, Larimo, & Jones, 2014).

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References
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Jacobsen, O., & Van Vugt, M. (2017). The Role of Business Intelligence in the
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