Internationalization at Inception: Insights from the Indian Textile Industry's Born Globals

Abstract

This study investigates the nature and shape of the relationship between internationalization and firm performance in textile Born Globals (BGs) in India. Utilizing a three-stage model and the M-curve hypothesis, the research examines this relationship comprehensively. The findings confirm a two-stage, inverted U-shaped relationship between internationalization and firm performance in the short run and an extended four-stage M-curve hypothesis in the long run. Additionally, the study identifies several variables that positively impact the performance of textile BGs in India during internationalization. The impact of these variables varies between the short and long term. In the short run, firm size and slack are significant factors in determining firm performance. However, research and development intensity and firm age, while insignificant in the short run, become significant contributors in the long run model.