Theoretical Foundations of International Business: A Comparative Synthesis of Expansion Frameworks for Emerging Market SMEs

This paper delivers a comprehensive comparative review and conceptual synthesis of classical and contemporary theoretical paradigms governing firm internationalisation, evaluating their analytical applicability to Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) originating from emerging market economies. Six foundational theoretical frameworks are critically evaluated: the Uppsala Incremental Stage Model (Johanson & Vahlne, 1977, 2009), the Resource-Based View (Barney, 1991), the Dynamic Capabilities Perspective (Teece et al., 1997), the Institution-Based View (Peng et al., 2008), the Industrial Network Approach (Johanson & Mattsson, 1988), and Dunning's Eclectic OLI Paradigm (1988). Incorporating recent empirical insights from 2024 through 2026, the paper establishes a Comparative Theoretical Synthesis Matrix analysing underlying behavioural assumptions, core analytical strengths, and boundary condition limits under digital platform disintermediation and non-market trade pressures. Finally, the paper introduces an original conceptual framework, the “Integrative Strategy Tripod and Network Model” offering a holistic multi-perspective blueprint for future empirical research in international business.

International Business Theory, Uppsala Model, Resource-Based View, Dynamic Capabilities, Institution-Based View, Network Theory, Emerging Market SMEs

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