In­ter­na­tion­al­iz­a­tion of Small and Me­di­um-sized En­ter­prises

About

As business becomes increasingly international due to deepening global interconnectedness—driven by technology, trade, and the movement of people, capital, and ideas—firms of all sizes are navigating both exciting opportunities and complex challenges.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are no exception. Representing the backbone of most economies worldwide, SMEs have seen a surge in international activity, enabled by the accelerating pace of globalization, digital transformation, and the rise of global value chains. Today, more SMEs are leveraging digital tools, international partnerships, and niche market opportunities to expand beyond domestic borders, often in ways that are agile, innovative, and sustainability-oriented.

SMEs are no longer viewed merely as scaled-down versions of large firms. Rather, they are increasingly recognized as distinct organizational actors with unique resource constraints, innovation capabilities, governance structures, and strategic behaviors. In particular, SMEs are at the forefront of responsible leadership, sustainable business practices, and human-centric innovation—especially in sectors where flexibility and rapid adaptation are key competitive advantages.

While globalization introduces intense competitive pressures, it also opens access to new markets, talent, technologies, and finance models. Competing internationally now requires SMEs to adopt global mindsets, build cross-border networks, and integrate entrepreneurial agility with strategic foresight. Success often depends on their ability to navigate shifting geopolitical landscapes, trade regulations, and sustainability standards, while simultaneously addressing local community and stakeholder needs.

This course aims to equip students with a deep understanding of how international dynamics shape the strategies and operations of SMEs in today’s complex business environment.

We begin by exploring the defining characteristics of SMEs, highlighting their prevalence, economic significance, and evolving role in global markets. We then examine the advantages and challenges SMEs face in their internationalization journeys. The course includes an analysis of various types of SMEs—such as micro-enterprises, high-growth startups, social enterprises, and family-owned businesses—and their distinctive internationalization paths.

We then turn to how SMEs develop, implement, and adapt international strategies in response to a changing global landscape. Drawing on key theories from international business, strategic management, and sustainability, students investigate how SMEs internationalize, why they do so, and how they can design resilient, responsible, and future-oriented strategies. Furthermore, the course focuses on how SMEs balance growth ambitions with sustainability, manage uncertainty, and build competitive advantage across borders.

Special attention is given to how the institutional environment (e.g. trade policies, digital regulations, innovation systems, and sustainability standards), digital platforms, and international networks shape strategic decision-making and SME competitiveness in an increasingly interconnected world.

Learning objectives
By the end of the course, students should be able to:

Define and critically analyze the characteristics of SMEs, including different types, and explain their significance in international business and sustainable development.

Evaluate governance and ownership structures influencing SME internationalization, sustainability orientation, and ethical decision-making.

Critically discuss the main theories of SME internationalization and sustainability

Analyze the internal and external environments SMEs face in international markets, including business environment pressures, opportunities, and risks (with particular focus on sustainability challenges).

Assess and apply sources of competitive advantage for SMEs, including resilience, flexibility, marketing strategies, and integration of sustainable practices (e.g., circular economy, SDG-related opportunities).

Gather, evaluate, and interpret firm-level data to draw conclusions about SME strategies, international operations, and sustainable practices.

Demonstrate leadership and strategic competences for SME internationalization, including socially responsible business practices, stakeholder engagement, and the ability to operationalize sustainable strategies in foreign markets

Course leader

Anne Sluhan - Department of International Economics, Goverment and Business (EGB) & Bersant Hobdari - Department of International Economics, Goverment and Business (EGB)

Target group

This is a graduate level course. CBS Summer University courses at Copenhagen Business School is open to all and welcomes domestic and international students as well as professionals

Fee info