Internationalization of Fashion and Craft Firms: A Systematic Literature Review

This research project conducts a systematic literature review (SLR) to synthesize the fragmented literature concerning the internationalization of firms within the fashion and craft sectors. As foundational pillars of the global creative economy, these industries often follow internationalization trajectories that differ from traditional manufacturing due to their heavy reliance on "symbolic capital," cultural heritage, and high-aesthetic value. The primary purpose of this study is to move beyond general international business theories. By identifying specific drivers, barriers, and strategic patterns unique to these sectors, this research consolidates dispersed studies—ranging from luxury fashion marketing to artisanal craft entrepreneurship—into a unified conceptual framework. The study addresses a primary research question regarding the underlying conceptual structure of the literature on the internationalization of fashion and craft firms and how key themes and concepts have developed and transformed over time. The investigation is further guided by three secondary questions. First, the review aims to quantify and analyze the chronological evolution of scholarly output to identify key growth periods and geographical shifts. Second, it seeks to identify the most influential journals, foundational authors, core institutions, and thematic areas shaping the research landscape. Finally, the review will pinpoint significant theoretical, methodological, and practical research gaps to propose a strategic roadmap for future inquiry. The project anticipates four primary contributions to the field of International Business. It will deliver a longitudinal research map providing a clear visualization of the shift from traditional trade paradigms to modern digital and niche-market strategies. It will also produce a thematic taxonomy, which is a structured classification of contemporary research themes such as the "Made-in" country image and the acceleration of e-commerce through digitalization. Additionally, the study provides a methodological synthesis that assesses prevailing research designs to highlight the necessity for more diverse or longitudinal approaches. Finally, it offers a practitioner framework consisting of a synthesized set of insights for creative entrepreneurs and policymakers aimed at supporting the global competitiveness of high-value, culturally significant firms.