Objective: The article aims to systematise the literature on human capital for the
internationalisation of SMEs.Research Design & Methods: The research adopts the quantitative
and qualitative analysis of scientific papers. Quantitatively, the study is grounded
on the classification approach of prevailing literature. Qualitatively, the study
adopted a content analysis of scientific papers.Findings: The classification of scientific
literature on human capital and the internationalisation of SMEs has led to the framework
of prevailing studies and future research agenda.Implications & Recommendations: The
obtained results indicate that additional studies are needed on human capital and
the internationalisation of SMEs, especially in the context of developing and emerging
countries. There is an opportunity to investigate service sectors, especially technology-intensive
firms. Future studies have to consider the organisational level human capital and
include the variables capturing all aspects of human capital. There is an opportunity
to investigate the contribution of on-the-job training to the development of human
capital and consequently the internationalisation of firms. Finally, the application
of case studies and/or interviews and qualitative methods are needed for deeper understanding
of human capital and the internationalisation of SMEs.Contribution & Value Added:
The research contributes to the scientific perception of consolidation between human
capital and the internationalisation of SMEs by reviewing systematically papers published
in the period of 26 years and included in Clarivate analytics/Web of Science and Scopus
databases.
