Determining the Knowledge Configuration in Internationalization Process of Iranian Technology-based-firms, Case Study in Medical Equipment

Internationalization of technology-based-firms is crucial for their growth, innovation and sustainability. Confronting the different constraints that influence the internationalization path of SMEs, increases the importance of knowledge acquisition and continuous learning. This paper aims to recognize the knowledge configuration for the internationalization of technology-based-firms with focus to advanced medical equipment industry in Iran. For this purpose following a qualitative approach, interviews were held with top managers of eight exporting technology-based-firms in the late 2019. The results of content analysis demonstrate that technological knowledge and market knowledge have been acquired mostly through direct experience and vicarious learning; but internationalization knowledge has not been accumulated as the third important knowledge area among studied firms to be able to play the integrator role of technological and market knowledge in alignment with corporate strategies. However, results show some experienced exporter companies have acquired very primitive knowledge in this area ad become aware of their need to enhance their knowledge. Consultants, local and global networks of cooperation and the presence of internationally-experienced managers are of some initiatives empowering the knowledge configuration of these firms for internationalization.