ABSTRACT
Longevity of inter-firm relationships is confirmed as an important factor in explaining joint international operations of firms. Nevertheless, empirical research literature also suggests that competitive behaviour of rival firms and sector oligopolization makes new relationships possible. Consequently, a total path dependence on relationships with a specific buyer does not explain all internationalization moves made by suppliers. Moreover, theoretical literature points at the learning processes firms undergo through their experiences with b2b relationships and internationalization. Both types of experience enhance their courage to internationalize to less familiar places and to enter into b2b relationships with less well-known partners. Other kinds of events can also cause ruptures in b2b relationships or other kinds of profound modifications to business networks. From the empirical literature we learn that geo-economic integration can be such an event.
