The capability to replicate and adapt one's own business model to foreign markets represents a key driver of international growth and firm success. In this paper, we examine the role of contextuality of inter-firm activities, i.e., the extent to which a firm's activities are influenced by the activities of external partners, as well as their complementarity for international business model replication, by studying the internationalization of Klarna AB, a young Swedish venture that offers complementary payment solutions to online shops. Our preliminary findings suggest that contextuality, complementarity, and a firm's dependence on it influence the adequate replication approach, the required extent of local adaption, the ability of the replicator to appropriate a share of the profits, and the need for alignment of inter-firm activities.
Language
English
Keywords
business model
replication
internationalization
activity system
HSG Classification
contribution to scientific community
HSG Profile Area
SoM - Responsible Corporate Competitiveness (RoCC)
Refereed
Yes
Book title
Strategizing Practices from the Outliers: Enabling "Big Bang" Innovations
Publisher
SMS Strategic Management Society
Publisher place
Chicago
Event Title
SMS Strategic Management Society Special Conference 2013