Unpacking unfair transaction experiences, competition, and imports in technology-intensive SMEs' FDI

In this study we examine how unfair transaction experiences with domestic partners might affect international expansion efforts, as moderated by industry competition and importing network. With survey data from the Annual Survey of Korea Venture Firms (2014–2018), we identify an explanatory role of unfair transaction experiences, together with moderating roles of industry competition and importing network, on FDI, such that small and medium-sized firms that suffer unfair transaction experiences in their home country are more likely to internationalize. Importing network can catalyze this outward investment, whereas industry competition tends to discourage such international expansion, because the firms need to focus on defending their positions at home, more so than expanding their business internationally.