Moreira, AntonioSilva, Pedro Miguel Freitas daCarvalho, Luísa Margarida Cagica2026-02-032026-02-032017http://hdl.handle.net/10400.2/21133The internationalization of firms is a growing important phenomenon in the Economy. Thus, to face the new competitive challenges of globalized markets, industrial small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) need to implement new organizational approaches to take on new challenges in international markets. Based on a case study, this chapter reviews the literature on internationalization theories. Drawing on the network-based approach and on the resource-based view of the firm, we examine how collaborative new product development processes played a fundamental role in the internationalization process of a SME using a relationship-based perspective. The featured case concerns to a successful ex-small technical textile firm that leveraged its competitive strategy, climbed up the value chain, and extended its international activities following a technology-based path.engbook part2026-01-27cv-prod-161550010.4018/978-1-5225-3525-6.ch020