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Volume 20, Issue 2
  • ISSN: 1474-2748
  • E-ISSN: 2040-0551

Abstract

This research evaluates the internationalization process of small enterprises from Canada and identifies the point where a creative act occurs. It suggests a holistic view and a better understanding of the correlation between internationalization and creative thinking. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with sixteen small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from Canada and six representative organizations in order to collect reliable quality data that define a model explaining this correlation. The enterprises operate in six industry sectors: gaming, artificial intelligence, information and communication technology, cleantech, life sciences and consumer goods. The case study approach was used to investigate the phenomenon in a real-life context and to present a conceptual framework that generalizes the findings. Consequently, this study finds that the process of creative thinking takes place when opportunities and cultural, economic and legal barriers appear during the internationalization process. The findings presented have implications for policy-makers, for consultants in international trade and for education systems. Challenging times and contexts of uncertainty require a creative mindset that will help the enterprise navigate safely and make the best decisions when unexpected events occur.

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2021-06-01
2026-02-17
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The correlation between internationalization and creativity: An exploratory study of Canadian SMEs
International Journal of Technology Management & Sustainable Development 20, 175 (2021); https://doi.org/10.1386/tmsd_00040_1
/content/journals/10.1386/tmsd_00040_1
/content/journals/10.1386/tmsd_00040_1
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  • Article Type: Article
Keyword(s): Canada; correlation between internationalization and creative thinking; creativity; decision making process; innovation; internationalization; problem solving; small- and medium-sized enterprises

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