Internationalization Through Networks to Emerging Economies : Cases of Norwegian Aquaculture Companies Entering Indonesia

Abstract

Thematically, this thesis has been conducted to explore and extend knowledge about international business operations; going in-depth on aspects of internationalization processes, impact of national institutions, networking, and decision-making. With basis in the Uppsala theory of internationalization (Johanson & Vahlne, 2009), these themes are investigated in the context of Norwegian firms entering the Indonesian aquaculture industry. An abduction approach has been used as methodology, and data samples have been gathered through four open-ended interviews with three case firms, and one Norwegian governmental agency, Innovation Norway. Findings from the thesis suggest that firms experiencing institutionally related uncertainties in the host-country adapt their internationalization approach to prioritize building strong networks with host-country actors, overcoming the liability of outsidership.