As far as a single enterprise is concerned, enterprise internationalization refers to the internationalization of production, sales and management.
For all enterprises, enterprise internationalization refers to the internal internationalization and external internationalization of enterprises. The so-called internal internationalization of enterprises refers to the internationalization of enterprises through intangible production factors such as technology, talents and services. The so-called enterprise extension internationalization refers to the internationalization of enterprises through material production factors such as capital, equipment and factory buildings; As far as the direction of enterprise activities is concerned, enterprise internationalization includes inward internationalization and outward internationalization. The inward internationalization of enterprises refers to the internationalization achieved by enterprises through direct or indirect import of production factors or non-production factors. Its main forms are import trade, three subsidies, joint ventures, purchasing technology patents and becoming subsidiaries or branches of foreign companies. The outward internationalization of enterprises refers to the internationalization of enterprises through the direct or indirect export of production factors or non-production factors, and its main forms include export trade, foreign joint ventures, technology transfer, signing contracts with foreign countries, and setting up subsidiaries or branches abroad.
Internationalization of enterprises and internationalized enterprises are two concepts which are both related and obviously different. The former emphasizes the process of enterprises going to the international market; The latter emphasizes the result of this process. Nevertheless, "international enterprise" is still the proper meaning of enterprise internationalization.