Dynamic capabilities in the internationalization process of companies distributing products of the agribusiness sector

Abstract

The agri-food sector faces important internal and external barriers to internationalization that could be overcome by the development of dynamic capabilities. Generic dynamic capabilities generate sector and environment specific dynamic capabilities that directly contribute to overcome the barriers of internationalization. Our contribution is to determine which specific dynamic capabilities of the distribution companies collaborate to overcome these barriers and as a consequence to improve international results. A qualitative study with directors and managers of the sector was carried out. The results give rise to confirm that the specific dynamic capabilities largely help to resolve the internal barriers that hinder the internationalization process; this translates into a better export performance.