Archetypes of SME internationalization: A configurational approach

•We present a multidimensional framework for analyzing firm internationalization.•Four archetypes of SME internationalization are identified through a cluster analysis.•Firms do differ in their approaches to international expansion.•We offer a methodological contribution, grounded in configurational theory.

Building on the recognition of the variety of aspects associated with international expansion, we present a framework for identifying different archetypes of firm internationalization. Our model is based on six indicators: internationalization from the demand side, resources located abroad, geographical scope, international orientation, internationalization of the business network, and financial internationalization. Drawing from data on 63 Italian SMEs, four archetypes of internationalization strategy are identified through a cluster analysis: ‘marketer’, ‘investor’, ‘networker’, and ‘weak internationalizer’. This study offers a methodological contribution to the analysis of firm-level internationalization, grounded in configurational theory, which defines strategies as multidimensional archetypes. We also discuss potential directions for future research.