Summary: The article focuses on the analysis of the similarities and differences of the internationalization processes and strategies among Norwegian and Lithuanian SMEs (small and medium sized enterprises). Therefore R. Korsakiene and M. Tvaronaviciene mention some general internationalization models and theories of SMEs like the stage approach, foreign direct investment theory or the network approach. The following chapter describes the link between internationalization and entrepreneurship which leads to a definition of international entrepreneurship as “the discovery, evaluation, and explotion of opportunities across national borders” (McDougall, Oviatt 2005). Afterwards the authors introduce different motives and barriers of internationalization as well as factors that influence the foreign market selection and modes of entering new markets. To prove the stated characteristics the authors did a study using questionnairs which were sent to firms in Lithuania and Norway. As a result the authors get insights which internal and external motives and barriers as well as foreign market selection criterias and operational modes are most relevant for Norwegian and Lithuanian SMEs. There were many similarities among both countries like the “small domestic market” as a motive to expand their operations toward foreign markets as well as too much bureaucrarcy as one of the main barriers to enter new markets. On the other hand the authors found also differences, especially when it comes to internal barriers, selection criteria for foreign markets and modes of entering new markets. High start-up costs are the most important reasons that hinder Lithuanian SMEs from going international whereas Norwegian SMEs are more worried about limited management skills in their company. In the market selection process Lithuanian SMEs rely on exporting to neighboring countries while Norwegian SMEs are more into subcontracting and licensing with partners and countries the leading person already know and has experience with.

Commentary:
This article offers an interesting perspective beside the view of J. Foley by focusing on two European economies with a small domestic market and different levels of economic development. Through this study it became clear that most of all SMEs internationalization practices in Norway and Lithuania can be explained by the classical scientific theories like the entrepreneurial approach which recommends going international or global because of a reduction of risk and to ensure suitbale workforce. The small domestic market and the international competition put a lot of pressure on the SMEs in Lithuania as well as in Norway what makes it unavoidable for some companies to expand their operations to foreign markets. Since Lithuania was part the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics unitl 1990 the economic development level of the country differs from the level in Norway because a free market development was just possible after the breakdown of the USSR. Regarding the stage approach Lithuanian SMEs are on an early stage referring to their operational mode of entering new countries and markets. Notably, the results of the study support this outcome. The main mode of entering foreign markets for Lithuanian SMEs is (indirect) exporting, what represents one of the first stages in the internationalization process. On the other hand licensing and own subsidiaries are the most common entry modes of Norwegian SMEs, what shows the advanced level of internationalization.