Work

Entity-Relationship Mapping of 184 SME Internationalization Success Determinants for AI Feature Engineering: Integrating CSR, Deep Learning, and Stakeholder Insights

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is increasingly shaping the pathways of Small Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). This study presents an entity-relationship diagram (ERD) approach to 184 determinants of SME internationalization success, in order to provide structured inputs for Deep Learning (DL) Recommenders that can support CSR-aligned internationalization strategies. Employing Visual Paradigm 17.2 Professional software for modeling, the research synthesizes state-of-the-art findings on foreign market entry, and export performance, into ERDs. Then the market adoption drivers for such a DL tool are explored through semi-structured interviews with twelve stakeholders. The results reveal a propensity to adopt the DL recommender, with experts highlighting essential features for engagement, pricing, and implementation. The discussion contextualizes these findings, while the conclusion addresses gaps and future directions. The study’s focus in Portugal/Germany may limit worldwide extrapolation, yet it advances knowledge by consolidating success determinants, validating platform requirements, exposing gaps, and suggesting research in both CSR, AI and SME internationalization.

Source: Sustainability

DOI: 10.3390/su17198587

Authors: Nuno Calheiros-Lobo, Ana Palma-Moreira, Manuel Au-Yong-Oliveira, José Vasconcelos Ferreira

Institutions: University of Aveiro, Universidade Europeia, INESC TEC

Language: English

Topic: International Business and FDI

Subfield: Strategy and Management

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Decent work and economic growth, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896