International Entrepreneurship research (1989–2009): A domain ontology and thematic analysis

This article explores the domain of international entrepreneurship (IE) research by thematically mapping and assessing the intellectual territory of the field. Extant reviews show that the body of IE knowledge is growing, and while notable contributions towards theoretical and methodological integration are evident, the field is described as phenomenally based, potentially fragmented and suffering from theoretical paucity. Premising that IE is positioned at the nexus of internationalization and entrepreneurship where entrepreneurial behavior involves cross-border business activity, or is compared across countries, we identify 323 relevant journal articles published in the period 1989–2009. We inventory the domain of IE to provide a relevant and comprehensive organization of its research. This involves examining the subject matter of IE research, and inductively synthesizing and categorizing it into major themes and sub-themes. In so doing, we offer a reliable, ontologically constructed and practically useful resource. From this base, we discuss the phenomena, issues, inconsistencies and interim debates on which new theory in IE may be built and research may be conducted. We conclude that IE has several coherent thematic areas and is rich in potential for future research and theory development.

Research Highlights► We review, thematically map and assess the intellectual territory of IE research. ► We construct a comprehensive ontological inventory of IE research (1989–2009). ► We provide a fully documented methodology for future replication. ► Criticism of IE as fragmented and lacking in unifying paradigms is premature. ► We conclude that IE is diverse and growing in coherence and is rich in theoretical potential.