| Based on theories about entrepreneurship, internationalization of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), and the internationalization performance of Brazilian firms, the paper attempts to explore the close relationship between the role of the entrepreneur and internationalization strategies of SMEs. The study is motivated by the fact that, in Brazil, the internationalization of small and medium sized firms is alarmingly low, compromising the country’s international performance. The paper suggests that, in order to increase the country’s participation in international markets, new actors need to be introduced into the international arena. Due to certain limitations in the economy and the need of large scale investments in the expansion of the productive capacity of large corporations to attend domestic and external markets at the same time, only by introducing new firms, can Brazil become an important global trader, and thus, enhance its participation in the world trade picture. Introducing new firms in the game, means stimulating SMEs to internationalize themselves, but it depends on the entrepreneur to understand its importance and internationalize himself first. To overcome natural difficulties and uncertainties, the paper suggests that a creation of business networks, involving national and international actors can reduce drawbacks, thereby stimulating new entrepreneurs to invest in foreign markets. |
