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Abstract Multinational enterprises from emerging markets (EM MNEs), acting as latecomers in global markets, strategically leverage their networks to facilitate their international expansion. As a rapidly developing phenomenon, the findings and theoretical foundations of EM MNE networks remain fragmented and inconsistent. Through a systematic review of the literature, we examined research themes across networks, internationalisation, and EM MNEs to identify key theoretical perspectives and how EM MNE network research engages with established internationalisation theories. We analysed papers published between 2000 and 2025 to include high-quality academic research and assess the current state of the art. Our review provides a comprehensive framework encompassing the analytical levels, theoretical perspectives, and network dynamics present in current research. This is the first systematic review to examine the network mechanisms behind EM MNE internationalisation. It pays particular attention to how network mechanisms identified in EM MNE studies engage with, extend, and challenge established theories developed in advanced economies contexts. It also encourages managers and policymakers in emerging economies to strategically deploy collaborative networks to maximise their efforts.
Qi et al. (Thu,) studied this question.