RESUMO O nosso entendimento sobre a dimensão temporal da internacionalização é ainda bastante incompleto. Com base nessa escassez de conhecimento, o objetivo deste artigo é analisar como os processos de internacionalização na firma podem ser categorizados com base na velocidade das alterações modais. Nós construímos um estudo de caso incorporado de natureza qualitativa e perspectiva longitudinal da internacionalização de uma empresa brasileira de pequeno-médio porte que entrou em 16 mercados estrangeiros ao longo de mais de três décadas. Os resultados indicam que os processos de internacionalização podem ser classificados em três grupos quanto à velocidade: Processo de Internacionalização Imóvel, Processo de Internacionalização Inerte e Processo de Internacionalização Acelerado. Com isso, nós chamamos atenção para a assincronia entre aprendizagem e alteração de modo nos processos de internacionalização da firma. Ademais, nós sugerimos uma nova concepção da internacionalização propondo a existência de vários processos de internacionalização que se desenrolam em velocidades distintas em uma mesma firma.

ABSTRACT Our understanding of the temporal dimension of the internationalization of the firm is incomplete at best. Based on this knowledge gap, this article analyzes how the internationalization processes within a firm can be differentiated according to the pace of modal shifts. We built a qualitative, retrospective longitudinal, embedded case of the internationalization of a Brazilian medium-sized firm that established a footprint in 16 foreign markets over nearly three decades. We find that its internationalization processes can be classified into three groups as far as pace is concerned: an Unmovable Internationalization Process, an Inert Internationalization Process and an Accelerated Internationalization Process. We then call attention to a mismatch between the pace of learning and the modal shifts in the firm’s internationalization processes. Further, we suggest a new picture of the internationalization of the firm by proposing the existence of a number of internationalization processes that unfold at distinct paces within a single firm.

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this paper is to establish a conversation between international business and international entrepreneurship literatures by analyzing if and how international opportunities are related to the internationalization process of the firm. Design/methodology/approach This paper reports finding from a backward-looking longitudinal, qualitative, embedded case study of an internationalized Brazilian firm, covering all 13 foreign markets where the firm has operated over 18 years. Findings Modal shifts within foreign markets were rare. Over time, the firm learned how to refine, rather than change, the servicing modes within each foreign market; it also learned how to better develop internal and exploitative opportunities, manage a portfolio of servicing modes across foreign markets, and use more complex mode servicing packages. Overall, international opportunities and the internationalization process of the firm were inextricably connected. Research limitations/implications The authors acknowledge limitations related to the statistical generalizability of the research method and suggest that statistical validation is needed as the research on opportunities and the internationalization process of the firm progresses. Practical implications Internationalizing firms should carefully consider the choice of entry mode in foreign markets. They should also understand that learning is not necessarily associated with change. Originality/value The authors show that the internationalization process of a traditional firm can be analyzed through an opportunity lens. This means associating characteristics of international opportunities with mode continuation and modal shifts in all foreign markets where the firm operates.