SMEs internationalization! Market intelligence and entrepreneurial orientation influence on international performance: a moderation model

Purpose Drawing on resource-orchestration theory (ROT), this study investigates the influence of market intelligence and entrepreneurial orientation (EO) on international performance of born global (BG) small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in emerging markets with the mediating role of global technological competence. Quality focus is used as a moderator between global technological competence and international performance. Design/methodology/approach Data were gathered through a survey, and PLS-SEM was employed for hypotheses testing with a sample of 256 BG SMEs. Findings The results showed that market intelligence, EO, global technological competence and quality focus positively relate to international performance. Moreover, market intelligence and EO are positively associated with global technological competence. Besides, global technological competence significantly mediates the relationship between market intelligence, EO and international performance. Finally, quality focus strengthens the positive relationship between global technological competence and international performance. Practical implications Our research demonstrates that if management utilizes or invests on market intelligence, EO, global technological competence and quality focus, then the BG SMEs will increase their international performance. Originality/value The paper contribution lies in its focus on exogenous constructs (i.e. market intelligence, EO, global technological competence and quality focus) to determine the international performance of born global SMEs in emerging markets.