Alan Rugman and internalisation theory

Alan Rugman made a singular contribution to international business research through his pioneering work on the internalisation theory of the multinational enterprise (MNE). This centred on the international transfer of knowledge in the MNE and the role of firm and country specific advantages in determining flows and outcomes of foreign direct investment. His unique contributions included, inter alia, the concept of subsidiary specific advantages and the early development of a theory of the flagship firm.