Entrepreneurship, Firm Internationalization and Regional Development

Abstract

The aim of this chapter is to provide a broad understanding of the relationship between entrepreneurship, the internationalization of firms and regional development. It will present a literature review of the internationalization process, attending to related concepts and internationalization theories, and examine the traditional approach versus new patterns of internationalization. In the field of entrepreneurship it will consider the entrepreneurial orientation as a measure of a firm´s entrepreneurship and the relationship with its internationalization. In sum, this chapter aims to reach an understanding of how the entrepreneurial ecosystem, including clusters and networks, as well as entrepreneurial orientation developed by firms, contribute to internationalization of the firm, and the possible regional impacts resulting from entrepreneurship and internationalization.