International activities of knowledge‐intensive small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises: The example of an open source software firm

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework that explains international activities of open source software (OSS) firms.Design/methodology/approach – This paper reviews relevant literature related to international operations of knowledge‐intensive firms, especially in the software industry. Theoretical development is based here on a combination of the network approach, international new venture theory and inward–outward internationalization.Findings – The findings in this study suggest that the international activities of OSS firms can be divided into project activities and business activities. Project activities include inward and outward linkages, and partner identification. Business activities include domestic and partner network activities that can lead to international business as well.Research implications – For scholars, the framework provides a new approach to explain many international activities of OSS firms by integrating three international business theories. In addition, it p...