The performance of international small and medium-sized enterprises: Overview and future research directions

Abstract

Our study aims to assess the state of knowledge on the performance of international small and medium-sized (SME) firms, and formulate a relevant research agenda. We review 231 contributions published between 1993 and 2019, and identify the main theoretical debates, key success factors and measures of international SME performance, and the theoretical and methodological approaches used in this literature. Based on our analysis, we propose a definition of performance factors according to the theoretical frameworks identified, and the overall determinants and performance measures identified. For future research, we suggest a more holistic theoretical and empirical perspective, a qualitative and longitudinal approach, and a greater focus on developing country SMEs.