ABSTRACT
This chapter examines historical research in international business through the lens of entrepreneurial history. Business historians have often implicitly dealt with the role of entrepreneurship in international business. However, explicit engagement with entrepreneurship constructs is limited. This has inhibited the development of a deeper dialogue about how entrepreneurial processes have shaped historical changes in international business and the global economy. Re-reading selected empirical research in international business history using the approaches and constructs of entrepreneurial history highlights that business historians have much to contribute to broader debates about the role of entrepreneurship in shaping internationalization and changes in the global economy. Specifically, we examine how empirical research in business history can be applied to understanding three entrepreneurial processes that have driven changes in the global economy: the identification and pursuit of cross-border business opportunities; the allocation of resources to pursue these future opportunities; and the legitimation of international business.
