Ribau, CláudiaMoreira, AntonioRaposo, Mario2026-02-192026-02-192018http://hdl.handle.net/10400.2/21391This paper offers a review of published conceptual and empirical studies indexed in the main academic search databases, covering literature on the internationalization of small and medium-sized firms. We analyzed a total of 554 papers covering the period between 1977 and 2014, and found the following general trends: empirical research focuses mainly on Europe and is characterized by a diversity that identifies 74 different topics. This study provides academics and practitioners with a clear perspective on future directions of SME internationalization and contributes to our understanding of the relevant research to date. Copyright © 2016 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.engInternationalizationSMESmall firmsLiterature reviewInternationalization topicsjournal article2026-01-27cv-prod-36724410.1002/cjas.14192-s2.0-85005773680