Wk1 - Int Business

What is international business, broadly?

Business activity that crosses national borders — trading goods, services, tech, capital, and knowledge between countries.

What are the main ways companies do international business?

• Exporting/importing,

• Foreign direct investment (FDI)

• running as a multinational enterprise (MNE)

• Managing global supply chains.

What does 'digitalization' mean in this context?

Using digital tech (internet, AI, big data, cloud, IoT) to change and improve how businesses operate.

How is the 'digital economy' different from a traditional economy?

Value comes more from data, information, and digital platforms, rather than just physical goods and services.

How has digital technology changed cross-border trade?

It's lowered barriers and sped up information flow, making it easier for companies to expand internationally.

What's a 'digital-native' or 'platform-based' company, and why does it matter?

A company built around digital platforms from the start (like an app-based marketplace) — these are reshaping how global markets compete.

Why is digital tech seen as a 'driver' of change in global business?

Because digital capabilities are growing fast, constantly opening new ways for businesses to operate and compete internationally.

What's the overall link between digitalization and international business?

Digital tech is transforming international business by:

• creating new business models

• new ways to trade

• new competitive dynamics globally.

Why does this topic matter for businesses today?

Understanding digital tools is now essential for competing internationally — it brings new opportunities but also new challenges.

Foreign direct investment (FDI)

when a company invests directly in a business in another country (like building or buying operations abroad), not just trading goods across borders.