The internationalization of subnational territories: intermediate cities’ internationalization, a bibliometric systematic literature review

Carolina Ardila-Lopez and Sandra Milena Santamaria-Alvarez

Journal of Enterprising Communities: People and Places in the Global Economy, 2025, vol. 20, issue 1, 211-248

Abstract: PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the phenomenon of subnational internationalization with a specific focus on intermediate cities (I-cities), which, despite their growing socioeconomic relevance, remain underrepresented in the internationalization literature. The study aims to advance conceptual clarity by proposing a definition of subnational internationalization and developing a theoretical framework that captures the distinct pathways through which I-cities integrate into global activities.Design/methodology/approachA bibliometric and systematic review of the literature enabled a critical assessment and evaluation of studies on the internationalization of subnational territories with emphasis on intermediate cities over the past 50 years, conducted in both English and Spanish. This was done following a rigorous protocol and using various well-known databases.FindingsBesides identifying the main characteristics of the reviewed studies, the methodologies used, the salient domains and the most studied locations, among others, this paper contributes with a theoretical framework to study subnational internationalization as well as a novel definition of territorial internationalization at the subnational level and an I-city characterization. All these elements are of critical importance for sustainable community growth, policymaking and place development.Practical implicationsFirms and government agencies can apply the findings of this research to gain a deeper understanding of how subnational territories can internationalize and the capabilities they require to achieve this goal. This guides policymaking while highlighting the importance of various private and public actors in local and international development. The theoretical framework can also be of use to academics, governments and private actors in general for determining their starting point, identifying priorities in their internationalization efforts and understanding their role in global endeavors. Ultimately, by examining this specific context, policymakers and CEOs will have access to information that can inform their daily decisions.Originality/valueThis study has a high level of novelty, as it brings a novel framework a definition and characterization of territorial internationalization and considers an important while overlooked context. A matter of great importance for the academia.

Keywords: Bibliometric systematic literature review; Internationalization; Subnational; Intermediate cities; Economic geography; International business; International relations (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eme:jecpps:jec-04-2024-0071

DOI: 10.1108/JEC-04-2024-0071

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