Title: The contribution of digitalization to the internationalization process for innovative small- and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).Level: Final assignment for bachelor’s degree in business administrationAuthors: Ida Furuskär & Hannes Östlund 

Supervisor: Akmal Hyder Date: 2022- June 

Aim: The purpose of this study is to investigate how innovative small- and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) experience the contribution of digitalization linked to the internationalization process. 

Method: To answer the study’s purpose, this study has applied qualitative research method with an inductive approach. The empirical material has been collected using semi-structured interviews. A total of six interviews were conducted with various innovative SMEs, the respondents were selected based on their area of responsibility. The interviews were conducted both on site at companies and via zoom. The interviews were recorded and transcribed. 

Results and conclusions: The study's conclusions are that digitalization has a major impact on internationalization. The results show that the digitalization of marketing, internal communication and networks have led to opportunities to conduct business in international markets without a physical presence. Digitization creates cost and time related benefits in the internationalization process. 

Contribution: Previous research has not dealt with how innovative SMEs perceive the impact of digitalization on internationalization. As a result, this research provides a practical and theoretical insight into how digital marketing, internal communication and networks help SMEs to internationalize. 

Suggestions for future research: This study has only focused on innovative SMEs. It would be interesting if future research studies other types of companies’ experience connected to the impact of digitalization on the internationalization process.