ESTRATÉGIAS E OBSTÁCULOS PREDOMINANTES NO PROCESSO DE INTERNACIONALIZAÇÃO DAS PEQUENAS E MÉDIAS EMPRESAS: UMA ANÁLISE DOS ESTUDOS DE CASO.

This work presents a study about the main internationalization strategies used by small and mediumsized companies (SMEs) in Brazil and abroad. In a descriptive and exploratory format, we sought to analyze articles based on Scopus, Capes and Spell in the period from 2015 to 2019 whose focus was a case study with data obtained through primary source. There were few case studies published with this methodological approach, with a trend towards the use of network theory and direct export as internationalization strategies for SMEs. There is some harmony in the distribution of the strategies used by both Brazilian and foreign companies. The technology branch with the largest number of case studies on the subject stands out. Finally, several barriers were identified in the case studies analyzed, with emphasis on the lack of qualification and knowledge, linguistic factor and culture of the host country in addition to financial planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]