International competitiveness readiness, home country institutions and early internationalisation

Purpose Synthesising an individual–opportunity nexus model, this research aims to develop a model of early internationalisation by integrating international competitiveness readiness, entrepreneurial motives and home country institutions empirically assesses using multi-level estimate design. Design/methodology/approach Drawing upon global context comprising 79,402 entrepreneurs from 87 countries, applies Heckman 2-step together with approach that allows deal self-selection bias take the hierarchical nature data into account. Findings The findings show is significantly affected entrepreneurs' readiness association moderated motives. In addition, demonstrate individual-level effects are further modified quality country-level governance. Practical implications have significant value for policy-makers who aiming stimulate rate influencing Originality/value results contribute development knowledge theoretical bases in entrepreneurship (IE). provide view on relationships between firms integrative perspective, thereby complementing perspective primarily focuses inherent resources capabilities.