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School of Business | Department of Marketing and Management | International Business | 2010
Thesis number: 12261
Globalization of Finnish ICT Born Globals: Creating new market space with disruptive innovation strategy
Author: Myllymäki, Arttu
Title: Globalization of Finnish ICT Born Globals: Creating new market space with disruptive innovation strategy
Year: 2010  Language: eng
Department: Department of Marketing and Management
Academic subject: International Business
Index terms: kansainväliset yhtiöt; international companies; yritykset; companies; kasvu; growth; tietotekniikka; information technology; tietoliikenne; data communication; toimialat; business branches; innovaatiot; innovations; globalisaatio; globalization; kansainvälistyminen; internationalization
Pages: 93
Full text:
» hse_ethesis_12261.pdf pdf  size:6 MB (6038026)
Key terms: born global, ICT, value Innovation, disruptive innovation, globalization, internationalization, globalization strategy
Abstract:
ABSTRACT

Objective

Objective of this Master’s thesis is to research Finnish ICT Born Global companies that have globalized their operations leveraging disruptive technologies and how disruptive innovation influences the globalization? This topic has become increasingly relevant as many Born Globals do in fact, leverage disruptive innovation as a strategic approach. However, Born Global theory has not really been approached previously from the this type of value innovation perspective per se. Thus, this study focuses on the role of value innovation in the globalization of Finnish Born Globals as well as “blue ocean” creation.

Methodology

The theoretical part of this study was based on the latest literature on internationalization, globalization and companies referred to as Born Global. Literature on strategic innovation, value innovation and disruptive innovation theory were also reviewed and applied to the Born Global theory to form a theoretical framework for global disruption strategy. The empirical part of the research was conducted as a dual case study. In order to gain empirical insights the theoretical framework was applied to two case studies on Finnish Born Global companies from the ICT industry.

Findings

The case studies show that value/disruptive innovation is at the heart of Born Global activity. Research indicates that Finnish Born Globals look to offer unique value for their customers via a combination of innovative business proposition and technological innovation. The nature of the business models as well as the target market drives the international entrepreneurs to pursue opportunities globally and create new market space to thrive in. This is done in a relatively fast pace. Also the target markets could be described as “blue oceans” instead of traditional niche markets even though the initial market might be quite narrow. The case studies show that global disruption is based on the resources and capabilities of the company. Innovation, marketing, network and financial capabilities as well as the decision making in the company are all highly influenced by the founders of the Born Global company and their values
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