The thesis focuses on the internationalization and on the motives behind outward foreign direct investments (OFDI) undertaken by Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) from Iceland.

 

In the thesis empirical evidence on the internationalization process of Icelandic MNEs is critically analysed within the context of international business theories and frameworks .This thesis is built on four individual papers that introduce, analyse and compare different aspects of Icelandic MNEs internationalization process based on a diverse methodological elaboration of unique firm-level datasets. In particular the first paper critically describes the key characteristics of Icelandic MNEs and introduces their main expansion strategies. In the second paper the motivation of Icelandic MNEs, to expand abroad through OFDI, is studied with the application of a multiple case study of four leading Icelandic MNEs. In the third paper is conducted and is tested econometrically a comparison of global expansion strategies among Icelandic, Irish and Israeli multinationals. The fourth paper focuses on the intra-firm managerial issues in MNEs, with a focus on MNEs that have their headquarters in Iceland by introducing the concept of integrative capacity.

 

The thesis is concluded with some final thoughts on the current reality that had emerged after the crisis in Iceland through a critical discussion of the business model that was applied in Iceland which relied on the aggressive financing of OFDI.

 

Supervisor:
 Professor Marina Papanastassiou
 Department of International Economics and Management
 Copenhagen Business School

 

Assessment Committee:
 Associate Professor Jens Gammelgaard
 Department of International Economics and Management
 Copenhagen Business School

 

Professor Tamir Agmon
 Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship
 School of Business, Economics and Law
 University of Gothenburg, Sweden

 Professor Philippe Guggler
 Center for Competitiveness
 Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences
 University of Fribourg, Switzerland

 

 

After the defense the Department will host a small reception in Porcelænshaven 24, 2nd floor