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Purpose: This study explores network-based market orientation (MO) knowledge development for internationalization of disruptive innovation (DI) by small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Methodology: To manage knowledge development for DI internationalization, a business model was applied to a single case study. The case company participated in a series of workshops and allowed on-site visits and interviews for a period of two years in a European Union funded project. The workshops helped the SME to gather MO and networking knowledge, and then apply that knowledge internally in the organization and externally, in interactions with suppliers, buyers, and other members of the buyer chain. Findings: Although technological and market efforts usually proceed separately, this study shows that technical and MO knowledge gathering activities can go together through external and internal networking. Research limitations/implications: To overcome the limitation of one case study, several SMEs can be included in a future research to make a comparative analysis. A further study can investigate how technical and market networks can be integrated in the knowledge development process to speed up internationalization. Managers can learn to internationalize DI by collaborating, knowledge sharing, and networking with other SMEs, suppliers, and firms in the buyer chain. Originality: The current study contributes to DI literature through highlighting knowledge generation in SMEs from a process perspective, as well as integrating technical and MO efforts for internationalization. Keywords: knowledge development, disruptive innovation, market orientation, network, internationalization.

This study analyzes the Paradox of Globalisation. We investigate if Globalisation leads to empowerment or to exploitations of women. Research show globalization contributes to higher incomes for less developed economies, democratizes institutions, cultivates cultural richness and develops employment for women. Additionally, there are negative effects of globalization if the cultural context of people is not considered and globalization is controversial. We view the paradox of globalization as twofold having consequences on women empowerment and exploitation. It is assumed gender equality can improve women conditions and opportunities, advances their careers and enhances participation in democratic decision-making, by giving freedom of speech to all about problems in factory work. Based on a study from Bangladesh garment industry we analyze the influence of globalization on women empowerment. We conducted a qualitative study and structured interviews with 39 women workers in six factories and use a grounded theory approach to analyse the data. Preliminary results of the study show contextual factors affect the working conditions of women in the factories negatively. Female workers are not satisfied with the salaries they get, they are not allowed to use the money they earn by themselves and they do not have the possibility to participate in decision-making and advance in careers. The paradox is female workers still can support their families and their children and got the possibility to buy more and healthier food. The study suggests if institutional factors are considered, globalization can make a positive contribution by empowering women and improving the quality of decision-making.

Purpose – This viewpoint uses service and social marketing concepts to discuss the challenges faced by domestic medical tourism (DMT), and comment on how DMT can contribute to better healthcare service within a country. Design/methodology/approach – The authors take up several vital issues. First, the potential benefits of DMT are outlined from a healthcare equity perspective; second, the challenges that DMT confronts in reaching its aim are identified; and finally, a few research areas are suggested considering the role of service marketing in the DMT context. Findings – It is suggested that increased awareness about the healthcare service, proper service delivery, a functioning network between important actors, and better health insurance coverage or social security benefits are required to improve healthcare equity. Practical implications – This paper raises several research issues from service marketing to deal with delivery, communication, efficiency and insurance practices regarding healthcare. Social implications – From a societal point of view, it explores how health equity can be improved by DMT.

There is much research into strategic business alliances in emerging markets, but none focuses on this form of collaboration within Europe’s emerging economies. This is a critical absence, as the European transition region is not only different from other European and Western regions but also from other regions with developing economies. Partners in the European transition region have unique cultural and social backgrounds, and consequently, unique ways of doing business. Transformations of Strategic Alliances in Emerging Markets focuses on this important gap. This book, the second of a two-volume set, makes a unique contribution to emerging market research by investigating the transformation of alliances in Eastern and central Europe over the past forty years. It provides a conceptual framework to describe and analyse the formation, development and functional mechanisms of strategic alliances in the European transition region, ultimately offering an in-depth overview of the challenges and opportunities around strategic alliance formation in emerging European markets. Transformations of Strategic Alliances in Emerging Markets, Volume II, is a must-read for academics and postgraduate students of development economics and business administration.