Adeniyi Olarewaju

A.        Research Area and Approach

Emphasis has been on gradual entry-mode (Uppsala model) or international new ventures (Born-global model), which are arguments concerning the internationalisation of firms in mature economies. However, firms in frontier economies may not necessarily follow these internationalisation paths.


By analysing a combination of primary and secondary data, as well as peculiarities of individual organisational case studies, my research agenda as an early-career researcher focuses on better understanding the international diversification strategies of firms in the Global South. Other related research interests of mine include firms’ internationalisation strategies, institutions and institutional voids in developing and emerging economies; export performance, international diversification and entry-mode challenges; entrepreneurial intention and entrepreneurship in developing and emerging economies; adoption and practice of sustainable entrepreneurship, as well as indigenous entrepreneurship practice; and dynamic capabilities and strategic agility of multinational corporations.

B.        Ph.D. Thesis and Past Research

My thesis studied the nexus between institutional environment and the internationalisation of firms in an emerging economy, and also examined the extent to which sustainable entrepreneurship could mediate the relationship. Findings showed that institutions as presently constituted serve as constraints, rather than incentives, to internationalisation. However, since sustainable entrepreneurship positively mediated the relationship between institutional environment and firms’ internationalisation, it was advanced that in countries with institutional voids, firms should consciously seek the adoption of sustainable entrepreneurship practice, especially if desirous of becoming global players and deriving international competitive advantage.

One of the chapters in my thesis focused on the international strategy of an indigenous oil-service company and I developed a case-study concerning the organisation. The research output won me the best case writer award at the 2017 European Federation for Management Development (EFMD) annual case writing competition in the African business category. Furthermore, due to my demonstrated expertise in case teaching and potential for case writing, I was conferred with the Paul R. Lawrence Fellowship in 2020 by the Case Research Foundation (CRF), at the 2020 North American Case Research Association conference.

C.        Current and Future Research

The opportunity to live in and work in other countries in Latin America and Europe opened avenues to test the propositions from my thesis concerning institutions and internationalisation. Some of my findings will be presented at major international conferences in 2024. This is with a view to publishing in high impact journals.

In the past few months, some of my research output have found homes in international business and strategy journals. For instance, in a recent article published in Review of International Business and Strategy (Olarewaju & Ajeyalemi, 2023 – ABS1), we explored the nonmarket strategies of multinational corporations in responding to Covid-19 uncertainties. Similarly, as the lead author, myself and other colleagues explored SME international entrepreneurship through a strategy tripod framework and that has been published as a Book Chapter in the book De Gruyter Handbook of SME Entrepreneurship, edited by Marina Dabić and Sascha Kraus for De Gruyter Publishers. Suffice to say, I have multiple publications in CABS/ABS 2 ranked journals and I have presented some of my findings at major international conferences.

In addition, I have a promising research agenda and I have built a network of co-researchers in my field from around the world. This will be valuable for the research projects I have in the pipeline scheduled for submission to highly ranked journals.

D.        Linking my research with teaching

Linking my research with teaching has allowed me to bring cutting-edge knowledge and real-world insights into the classroom, enriching the learning experiences of my students. For example, one of the cases written by me has been extensively used in the following courses that I facilitated: “International Business Management”, “Doing Business Abroad”, “Small Business Entrepreneurship”, “Strategic Management and Corporate Planning”, and “International Services Development”. The debates are quite frenetic and students’ feedbacks are always interesting. It is a delight for me when students continue academic arguments long after class periods are over. My research has therefore had profound impact on the educational experiences and development of my students.



Furthermore, my research experience has provided opportunities for students to connect with industry professionals, scholars, and experts in my field. Through my collaborations and networks established through research projects, I always invite guest speakers, organise workshops, and facilitate industry interactions, exposing students to a range of perspectives and opportunities. These interactions enable students to gain insights into the practical implications of doing business in international markets. Case in point is using collaborative expert exchange programmes to enrich students’ learning experience or employing international virtual projects such as X-Culture to enable students work on real international business challenges presented by real companies.

Lastly, my commitment to international business research ensures that the course content remains relevant, updated, and aligned with the latest developments in the field. By staying abreast of emerging trends, industry advancements, and theoretical arguments, I am able to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to thrive in a rapidly evolving global business landscape. Recent examples include Israel-Palestine conflict, BREXIT, Russian-Ukraine war, Covid-19, and rising nationalism and ideologies. Arguments concerning the consequences of these events on the strategies of multinational corporations is always better imagined in class. This research-informed teaching approach ensures that students are well-prepared to tackle future challenges, adapt to changing circumstances, and make informed decisions in their professional lives.