Challenges facing service enterprises in the global knowledge-based economy : lessons from the business services sector.

Abstract

This paper explores the challenges arising from the increasing level of international and knowledge-based activity for services sector enterprises. The paper begins with an overview of evidence concerning the internationalisation of services before proceeding to a detailed analysis of the internationalisation of firms in a number of knowledge intensive business service sectors. The paper concludes by summarising the challenges facing service enterprises in a global knowledge-based economy. The key themes that emerge from the existing research are outlined, together with the directions for future research.