Internationalization of High-Tech Enterprises

In the 1980s a growing group of enterprises operating primarily in the high technology branches was recognized. These firms entered the international markets faster than enterprises operating in more traditional sectors. In addition, these firms gained a competitive advantage resulting from knowledge (knowledge-based competitive advantage). Moreover, significant differences in motivation, goals, methods, and intensity of internationalization of high-tech firms as compared to those operating in traditional sectors were observed. The study of early and rapid internationalization continues to this day. In recent years, mainly due to changes in the business environment, we observe their dynamic development. The aim of this article is to present the process of internationalization of firms operating in high-tech industries. The article is theoretical. It defines high-tech industries according to different classifications and describes their specifics. Then, after a brief presentation of the key internationalization theories, it describes the specifics of the internationalization of high-tech enterprises, especially their early and rapid internationalization as well as the factors and selected models of internationalization of high-techs. In the summary of the article, the future directions of research are pointed out.