The Internationalization of Malaysian Food and Beverage Industry During Corona (COVID-19) Pandemic: A Study from Technological Capabilities Perspective

Abstract

The main objective of this paper is to study technological capabilities as a key enabler for internationalization among Malaysian SMEs in food and beverage (F&B) manufacturing sectors. Technological capabilities play an important role in determining the success of new ventures or SMEs because it enable companies to gain market acceptance and achieve long-term competitive advantage through continuous innovation in improving existing products and/or creating new products in the market. Drawing on the existing literature review, we are going to conduct a qualitative research model by interviewing 6–12 F&B manufacturing companies in which technological capabilities not only influence firm performance but to identify its role as the key enabler in the internationalization process for SMEs to penetrate the international market. The finding of this research is going to contribute to the development of F&B industries in developing countries especially in Malaysia. It will provide important information about technological capabilities that will be useful for Malaysian F&B industries in penetrating the international market and it will contribute to the body of internationalization knowledge and international entrepreneurship.