The international expansion of China's small- and medium-sized business: Status today and future outlook

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to critically analyse the relevant literature on the international expansion of China's small- and medium-sized enterprises with the aim of highlighting the main topics analysed by scholars and identifying areas for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews the works on the international growth of China's SMEs published in selected peer-reviewed English-language journals vis-à-vis what has been published on Western SMEs. It does this by, first, studying the literature at both firm and industry levels and, second, by analysing the specific characteristics of small business from China along with the particularities of the Chinese business environment.

Findings

The paper shows that two main areas are in need of further research: the impact of the Chinese business environment on the international expansion of SMEs, and the need to understand different elements of the process to develop a strong firm-level body of literature.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the need to deepen the understanding of the process leading to SMEs' expansion beyond China's borders to conclude with the identification of areas for future research.

Citation

Cardoza, G. and Fornes, G. (2013), "The international expansion of China's small- and medium-sized business: Status today and future outlook", Journal of Chinese Entrepreneurship, Vol. 5 No. 3, pp. 252-273. https://doi.org/10.1108/JCE-05-2013-0015