A compentence-based approach for small and medium-sized enterprises

On the basis of empirical research, a competence-based model of the internationalization process of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) is developed. The model focuses on so-called International Market-Entry Core Competencies (IMECC), which are global management competences considered crucial during the formulation of a market-entry strategy. This article aims to emphasize the relevance of international managerial competencies as fundamental resources for the internationalization of SMEs and their relation with the market-entry modes.