What Factors Determine Chinese Companies’ Internationalization? A Case Study of Telecommunications Industry

Abstract

This thesis offers a comprehensive exploration of telecom company internationalization, examining both industry-wide trends and specific firm-level cases. It delves into the historical evolution of the global telecom industry and conducts comparative case studies involving Western and Chinese telecom firms. The research unveils that internationalization behaviors in the telecom sector are influenced not only by internal factors like technological and managerial competencies but also by external factors often overlooked in existing theories, including international politics and global technical standard regulations. To bridge this gap, the thesis introduces a new analytical model, the 'Technological-Political Cycle Framework,' which integrates technology, government policies, and economic considerations to provide insights into international business strategies within the telecommunications industry. This model underscores how international politics can emerge as a pivotal determinant of business internationalization, particularly in a rapidly evolving tech industry where global market power dynamics carry significant economic and security implications for nations. In consideration of these multifaceted dynamics, the thesis also investigates strategies for Chinese telecom companies in their internationalization efforts, taking into careful account the contemporary international political landscape vis-à-vis China.