A set of structural forces drives the international development and global integration of firms and industries. Firms extend their geographic scope to sustain growth and to exploit and strengthen competitive advantages. Global integration is the process by which competitive advantages based on a broad geographic scope are created and sustained. Managers make a subtle distinction between two phenomena. Some structural forces stimulate the international expansion of firms and industries, but do not necessarily stimulate integration. For instance the emergence of high growth markets in Asia and in South America attracts foreign direct investments and/or trade flows. Some structural forces foster international development and drive the global integration of firms and ...