Engaged learning of emerging multinationals: a fuzzy-set analysis of Chinese firms in the European Union

Emerging multinationals’ (EMNEs) accelerated internationalization has challenged conventional international business theories. The recent growth of Chinese outward foreign direct investment in the European Union (EU) poses particular question about the asset-exploitation-based theory of FDI. This study draws upon the “Linkage-Leverage-Learning” (LLL) framework to show how this rising phenomenon may offer opportunities for researchers to refine the alternative FDI theory. We follow a set-theoretic approach, utilizing the technique of fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to examine the patterns of EMNEs’ engaged learning behaviour. We contribute to the literature by discovering a typology of Chinese firms – Regional Leader, Prospect Seeker and State Visioner – that are equally engaged in foreign knowledge sourcing. Also our findings guide further development of LLL by proposing alternative pathways to international learning.