Is “Born Global” a Viable Market Entry Mode for the Internationalization of SMEs? Evidence from China before COVID-19

This study considers whether “born global (BG)” status aids the financial performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Using panel regression models tracking Chinese listed companies, it finds a positive relationship between use of the BG model and firm performance. Also, that location influences firms, particularly those from the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak, which are more likely to choose BG as their international market entry mode. The study also finds that research and development investment is important for BGs, size is less so. These findings may aid economic recovery after COVID-19.