This paper aims to propose an integrating model that can explain firm international competitiveness through the dual lens of network and firm behaviour. The research examines the case of born globals (BGs) created during the last financial crisis in a sample of 306 Spanish BGs using structural equation modelling. Results show that in today’s highly competitive and dynamic globalised markets, developing strategic orientations (market and entrepreneurial) in a network context helps build an optimal antecedent interfirm environment. This environment channels values generated through joint efforts to strengthen an individual BG’s international performance. Capabilities play an essential mediating role to achieve this effect through the integrated application of dynamic capabilities and ambidexterity theories. Thus, exploratory (adaptation and absorption) capabilities will influence the capacity to exploit knowledge through innovation capability and lead to higher performance. Findings provide practical insights into the hierarchisation of the sources of influence on BGs’ performance.

本文旨在提出一个整合模型，可以通过网络和企业行为的双重视角来解释企业的国际竞争力。该研究使用结构方程模型对 306 个西班牙 BG 样本中的上次金融危机期间创建的天生全球性 (BG) 的案例进行了研究。结果表明，在当今竞争激烈且充满活力的全球化市场中，在网络环境中发展战略方向（市场和创业）有助于建立最佳的前因企业间环境。这种环境传递通过共同努力产生的价值，以加强单个 BG 的国际绩效。通过综合应用动态能力和二元性理论，能力在实现这一效果方面发挥着重要的中介作用。因此，探索（适应和吸收）能力将影响通过创新能力开发知识的能力并导致更高的绩效。调查结果为对 BG 绩效影响来源的等级划分提供了实用的见解。