Chase the Wind and Follow the Sun: A Multi-level Quantitative Analysis of Determinants of State-hybrids' International Strategy in the Sustainable Electricity Industry

Katrine Maria Lumbye, Peter D. Ørberg Jensen*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperResearchpeer-review

Abstract

The cross-border diffusion of sustainable technology matters for the combat against climate change – a problem recently coined by international business scholars as a “grand challenge” of our time. In this context, we investigate determinants of the international strategy of “state hybrids” in the sustainable electricity industry. To answer this question, we study the internationalization of two front-runner firms in this industry. We apply a case-based research approach and take a historical perspective to explain the firms’ contemporary stage of internationalization. Enabled by favorable support from the institutional environment in their home countries, and driven by the liberalization of the electricity market in Europe, the internationalization of the firms evolved as an outcome of a combination of market pull factors and technology push. Notably, the change from fossil fuel-based technologies to renewable energy created a new industry that entailed different patterns of internationalization in the industry. In addition, decisions by top management at critical moments played pivotal roles in the strategic change and internationalization of the firms. Theoretically, we suggest that analysis of the interdependent relationship between influential factors and inclusion of micro-level factors can contribute to global strategy research.
Original languageEnglish
Publication date2022
Number of pages38
Publication statusPublished - 2022
EventAIB 2022 Annual Meeting: Beyond Diversity and Inclusion: Equity and Fairness in International Business - Miami, United States
Duration: 5 Jul 20229 Jul 2022
Conference number: 64
https://www.aib.world/events/2022/

Conference

ConferenceAIB 2022 Annual Meeting
Number64
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityMiami
Period05/07/202209/07/2022
Internet address

Keywords

  • State-owned enterprises
  • Global strategy
  • Renewable energy
  • Case-based research

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