In this presentation, the results of a 3-year study focused on exploring firm internationalization logics currently observable in Portugal are presented. Three contributing sectors – Retail, Construction and ICT - Software Development - provide the empirical focus. Results present domestic markets has having a diffluent role, opportunistic client or partner-following being adopted as dominant expansion logics, and indicate that internationalization processes are valued for their portability and reversibility. Room exists for de- and re-internationalization, resource commitment shifts and non-linear logics, an expression of managerial attempts to leverage resource constraints and exposure to risk and market uncertainty. Sectoral diversification and the deployment of more flexible organizational modes in internationalizing companies or company groups in Portugal are suggested as relevant and feasible paths to follow, given the different modal forms currently available for most companies to expand.

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Firm internationalization