Internationalisation of Trondheim petroleum service companies into the United States

Abstract

Globalisation has resulted in the intense interconnection of the global market. With the invention of high communication and transportation systems together with the numerous opportunities out there, firms are compelled to internationalise as competition gets tight both at domestic and international markets. This thesis examines the internationalisation pattern of Trondheim petroleum service companies. The strategies adopted by these companies are also examined. It further looks at the roles played by external facilitators in the internationalisation of firms. The study adopted a multiple case study approach where six companies were studied. The Uppsala internationalisation model and the born globals perspective forms the theoretical backbone of the study. The internationalisation process of service companies in the Trondheim petroleum industry is a complex process. Their internationalisation process bears some characteristics of both the Uppsala Internationalisation model and the born global perspective.

External facilitators play a significant role in the internationalisation of firms. They contribute by assisting companies in building competence, creating knowledge, financial support, accessing markets, competence promotion and establishing networks. Although Innovation Norway and INTSOK provide these services to Trondheim petroleum companies, the experiences are different for the companies.