The internationalisation strategies of Chinese firms: Lenovo and BOE

Abstract

Theories of overseas investment and forms of internationalisation are reconsidered in the face of two exploratory, ‘critical instance’ case studies collected in China from Lenovo and BOE. The two cases tentatively suggest refinements to conventional OFDI theories that see internationalisation in two important MNEs from China as being driven by factors such as ownership advantages and low labour costs at overseas locations. In terms of entry modes, it would appear that latecomer multinationals from emerging economies may aim to build global strategic linkages, seek new markets and obtain advanced technology, through foreign ventures that are accelerated quickly through entry modes towards acquisitions.

Keywords:

• internationalisation
• Chinese MNEs
• strategic linkages