Creating purposeful networks in the internationalisation process

Purpose: Networks provide vital resources for any business, especially entrepreneurial firms that seek to internationalise. Networks are important because they open doors to opportunities, such as providing access to distribution channels and markets, financial resources, information, knowledge, technology and reputation. But despite increasing research in the study of networks, gaps remain. Studies are lacking in the processes by which entrepreneurs engage in to internationalise their ventures and in the key structural characteristics of entrepreneurial networks. This research examines the processes by which entrepreneurs search for and secure international partners and the structural characteristics such as network size, density, centrality and subgroup clusters of the resulting international networks. Originality: Studies on the internationalising activities of companies in the Australian healthcare industry are lacking. Knowing the networks that support effective internationalization are of value to companies who are already internationalizing as well as companies planning to internationalise. Key literature/theoretical perspective: Theoretical underpinning of the research is the role of networks in the internationalization process. This research draws from literature in the fields of networks, internationalization, international new ventures (INVs) and entrepreneurship. Design/methodology/approach: A sequential exploratory mixed method research (Creswell, 2009) combining both qualitative and quantitative approach is adopted. Research starts with face to face interviews, follows with selected case studies and ends with survey questionnaire. Findings: Research in progress. Practical and social implications: Findings help INVs to focus on purposeful networks which provide opportunities. For government agencies it helps to better allocate resources to assist firms to internationalise.