This paper aims to investigate the internationalization strategies of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), focusing on the interaction between network ties and “soft” internal resources at the foundation of knowledge management (KM). Specifically, it identifies the firms’ internal capabilities that affect KM strategies, and their collective influence on the degree of internationalization; verifies the influence of network ties on the internationalization process itself; and develops a conceptual “preliminary theoretical framework of SME internationalization capabilities and networks.”,The primary research and analysis are based on a proportional stratified sample of Sicilian wineries; while the conceptual and implicative developments of the paper rest on the combination of the theoretical with the primary findings of the research, and, it has been designed and tested through eight experts’ interviews/reviews.,Findings underline a strong influence of the internal capabilities of firms on the internationalization process. In addition, an important role in the export process emerges from the acquisition of information and knowledge through the establishment of networks.,The results need to be interpreted within the context for which this study was designed and cannot be applied generally to all businesses. However, results allow cellars’ managers to better understand the relationships among the influencing factors of SMEs internationalization.,The originality of the paper lies not only in its above-stated explicit theoretical objectives and findings but also in its comprehensive conceptual framework that theoretically incorporates the “strategic” with the “internal” and “networking” aspects; purposefully also arming the industry with a practicable tool toward managerial implementation.

中文翻译：

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内部资源和网络联系之间的必要匹配以应对知识匮乏

本文旨在研究中小企业（SME）的国际化战略，重点是在知识管理（KM）的基础上网络联系与“软”内部资源之间的相互作用。具体来说，它确定了影响知识管理战略的企业内部能力，以及它们对国际化程度的集体影响；验证网络联系对国际化过程本身的影响；并开发了概念性的“中小企业国际化能力和网络的初步理论框架”。主要研究和分析基于西西里酿酒厂的按比例分层样本；而本文的概念性和暗示性发展取决于理论与研究的主要发现的结合，并且，它是通过八位专家的采访/审查而设计和测试的。研究结果突显了公司内部能力对国际化进程的强大影响。此外，通过建立网络来获取信息和知识，在出口过程中扮演着重要角色。需要在设计本研究的背景下解释结果，并且不能将其普遍应用于所有企业。但是，结果使酒窖的经理可以更好地了解中小企业国际化影响因素之间的关系。本文的独创性不仅在于其上述明确的理论目标和发现，还在于其综合性的概念框架，该框架在理论上将“战略”与“内部”和“网络”结合在一起。有目的地还为该行业提供了一种实用的工具来实施管理。