The Uppsala Model
Probably the most know I18N model is the Uppsala Model developed in 1977 and conceptualizing I18N as a sequential, path dependent learning process. The model is based on empirical observations from studies in international business at the University of Uppsala, that showed that Swedish firms often develop their international operations in small steps, rather than by making large foreign production investments at single points in time.
Johanson & Vahlne (1977) observed that I18N is a gradual, incremental process, lack of foreign market knowledge create uncertainty and psychic distance disturb learning (accumulation of such knowledge). As a result companies will carry out gradual market commitments (investments). The firm will start exporting to similar/well known countries and gradually expand to other countries.
