Understanding internationalisation approaches and mechanisms of diaspora entrepreneurs in emerging economies as a learning process

Purpose - This paper presents an exploration into the internationalisation approaches and mechanisms of diaspora entrepreneurs in emerging economies. It seeks to conceptualise the strategies as a learning process.
Design/methodology/approach - The research is qualitative using a case study approach involving in-depth semi-structured interviews conducted longitudinally.
Findings - The findings suggest that diaspora entrepreneurs adopt mostly the network or, in some cases, the international new venture (born-global) market entry approach rather than the traditional stage by stage approach. The findings also suggest that diaspora entrepreneurs have perceived advantages over domestic small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) because of their foreign exposure which has influenced their entrepreneurial behaviour in exploiting business opportunities.
Research implications – The main implication of the study is that entrepreneurs who are beginning to internationalise their activities should seek to exploit potential first-mover advantages in emerging economies by realising an approach of internationalisation at high speed.
Originality - The paper contributes to better understanding of the diaspora entrepreneurship and its dynamics.

This is the accepted version of the manuscript "Understanding internationalisation approaches and mechanisms of diaspora entrepreneurs in emerging economies as a learning process", forthcoming/published in the journal "International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behaviour & Research" available via the journal site at: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEBR-02-2018-0068. This article is © Emerald Group Publishing and permission has been granted for this version to appear here. Emerald does not grant permission for this article to be further copied/distributed or hosted elsewhere without the express permission from Emerald Group Publishing Limited.