Scale-ups and scaling in an international business context

Abstract

Scaling, the persistent rapid growth to deliver a viable business model, often incorporates an explicit international business dimension. However, research on the cross-border management and organization of scaling and scale-ups in international business has been limited. We therefore build on prior scholarly understanding to differentiate scaling in three settings – initiative, organization and ecosystem – and elaborate on their respective international business aspects. We are sensitive to different organizational purposes and their associated scaling for commercial and/or social impact. Our arguments advance the conceptual understanding of scaling in international business and offer an agenda for future research.