Abstract
The internationalization of firms is a growing important phenomenon in the Economy. Thus, to face the new competitive challenges of globalized markets, industrial small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) need to implement new organizational approaches to take on new challenges in international markets. Based on a case study, this chapter reviews the literature on internationalization theories. Drawing on the network-based approach and on the resource-based view of the firm, we examine how collaborative new product development processes played a fundamental role in the internationalization process of a SME using a relationship-based perspective. The featured case concerns to a successful ex-small technical textile firm that leveraged its competitive strategy, climbed up the value chain, and extended its international activities following a technology-based path.

Abstract
The existing literature on internationalization and purchasing is vast; however, the inward internationalization perspective is an under-researched topic. In this chapter, the authors review the literature on internationalization of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to understand the main reasons behind international purchasing and the role of experience on internationalization. Using a survey and descriptive statistics, the results from 56 respondents show that SMEs source from a small number of countries and hold those relationships for several years. The main reasons underlying international purchases are lower prices and better product quality, regardless of goods availability on the domestic market. This chapter has some limitations concerning its exploratory nature, pertaining to its sample size. Some future research avenues are presented such as a deeper look on how internationalization processes differ when SMEs begin their activity by inward rather than by outward activities.

Abstract
dado o interesse premente, não só da comunidade académica como do mundo empresarial, sobre a internacionalização das empresas, esta investigação faz uma revisão da literatura empírica sobre a internacionalização de Pequenas e Médias Empresas (PME) no continente americano, a partir das principais bases de dados académicas. Partindo de um conjunto de 329 artigos, este estudo analisa em pormenor 39 destes, entre 1999 e 2014, contribuindo significativamente para o desenvolvimento do conhecimento e da compreensão da investigação feita até à data nesta área. Com esta análise, foram identificadas tendências e padrões, podendo concluir-se que a investigação feita sobre a internacionalização de PME centra-se nos Estados Unidos e no Canadá, influenciada sobretudo por quatro grandes tópicos: teorias da internacionalização, estratégia, desempenho e perspetiva internacional. Conclui-se igualmente que há uma predominância quantitativa. As conclusões e interpretações sobre oportunidades para futuras investigações são de relevância tanto para a comunidade académica como para a empresarial.

Abstract
Social entrepreneurship is emerging as an innovative approach for dealing with complex social and environmental needs, and is an important lever for the development of a sustainable society. Social entrepreneurship and related concepts have had a growing attention in the academy, giving rise to dissimilar approaches in the United States of America and in Western Europe. Despite the importance of the Third Sector in Portugal, it has been difficult to set ideal definitions for social entrepreneurship, social entrepreneur and social enterprises. By means of a qualitative study involving four Portuguese social ventures, this chapter identifies contemporary socio-cultural and economic factors that foster social innovation and intervention in Portugal, and contributes to understand the role of social entrepreneur in this context. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.

Abstract
The university-enterprise (U-E) relationship is a topic that has gathered much interest in the academic world. Universities seek to offer services and technology that help firms to build and foster a harmonious U-E relationship, allowing firms to continually renew their involvement in the relationship. This chapter seeks to analyze the role played by various factors-satisfaction, commitment as perceived by firms, perceived commitment by universities, trust, and reputation-in encouraging firms to continuously renew their involvement in the university relationship. A questionnaire was produced drawing on a literature review looking at U-E relationships, the results of which were then analyzed using partial least squares - structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). Afyer analyzing 80 responses from firms involved in U-E relationships, it was possible to conclude that commitment of firms, reputation, and the perceived commitment of the universities are very important in the continuous participation of firms in U-E relationships. © 2018, IGI Global.

Abstract
This paper offers a review of published conceptual and empirical studies indexed in the main academic search databases, covering literature on the internationalization of small and medium-sized firms. We analyzed a total of 554 papers covering the period between 1977 and 2014, and found the following general trends: empirical research focuses mainly on Europe and is characterized by a diversity that identifies 74 different topics. This study provides academics and practitioners with a clear perspective on future directions of SME internationalization and contributes to our understanding of the relevant research to date. Copyright © 2016 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.