International expansion of French SMEs as a growth lever – insights from a case study

Purpose This study aims to investigate the international expansion of French small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as a growth driver, with a specific focus on a French group in the glass industry. It examines the motivations, challenges and strategies for internationalization, highlighting key success factors such as innovation, local partnerships and corporate social responsibility practices. Design/methodology/approach The research uses a qualitative approach, including semi-structured interviews, to gather insights from company stakeholders. Findings The findings suggest that internationalization can be a potent growth lever for French SMEs, contingent on a well-conceived strategy and effective management of international operations. Originality/value The exploration of internationalization for French SMEs, as exemplified by the Randa Group, opens several avenues for future research on the impact of emerging countries for growth opportunities for SMEs. Research could focus on identifying the specific challenges and strategies for successful entry and operation in these markets. This includes studying the economic, political and cultural environments of emerging markets and how SMEs can effectively adapt their business models to these contexts. Also, the role of strategic alliances and networks in SME internationalization is a rich area for further study. Future research could investigate how SMEs can leverage partnerships with local firms, industry clusters and international networks to enhance their competitive advantage and operational capabilities in foreign markets. This includes exploring best practices for forming and maintaining these alliances.