Why do SEs internationalize from cross border to intercontinental?

By the definition of Welch & Luostarinen (1988) internationalization is the process of increasing involvement in international operations across borders. Internationalization strategies have to reflect the dynamism of prevailing conditions in global as well as domestic markets. Internationalization of firms from emerging economies is also motivated by learning objectives that allow these firms to overcome the initial resource hurdles arising e.g. due to technological gaps.

In the social enterprises sector the passage from cross border internationalization to intercontinental internationalization is not always a principal and unique strategy, considering that many Social Enterprises that work in the health sector, international cooperation and import export of traditional goods, create direct connection with developing countries or with countries from other continents.

Meanwhile, it is clear that previous experience in cross border internationalization can be preferable for many reasons, mainly based on the acquisition management procedures. Customs, local bureaucracies, corruption, delays and delays in delivery or in the acquisition of goods, not to mention behavioural dynamics different from one’s own country of origin can produce, especially in the early stages, substantial losses and poor results.