The international business service firm: the evolution of an internationalisation framework

The central aim of this research is to develop a framework within which the intemationalisation of business services can be explained. The objective is to reach beyond exploration, and, drawing on the literature reviewed in the last three chapters, develop a model which has predictive qualities. The purpose of this chapter is to propose various elements which influence the process of service intemationalisation. From these elements a framework will be constructed which will be subjected to empirical testing within the context of the international activities of UK business service firms. In Chapter 10 the framework developed here will be assessed and adapted in the light of the research findings. A model developed for business services cannot be applied to all service sectors, however, where possible generally applicable factors will be highlighted, thus shedding light upon the intemationalisation of services in general.