The cross-border knowledge transfer following a foreign acquisition in the early stages of internationalization (case of a Finnish SME in food industry)

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to investigate factors and conditions that stimulated and facilitated a productive cross-border knowledge transfer between a Finnish SME and its newly-acquired Swedish firm. A thorough analysis of company’s structure and culture, surrounding business environment both in home and target foreign markets would be paid considerable attention in this research. Moreover, the case’s phenomenon of knowledge exchange will be decomposed into building blocks and structural elements. It will help in identifying the important direct factors that contributed to successful transfer and leverage of knowledge. Eventually, the research will be summed up with the knowledge transfer’s impact on SME’s operations and structure