Abstract/Summary

This Perspective examines current research on regional multinational enterprises (RMNEs) and proposes directions for future studies. We briefly report on the results of the cluster analysis and identify five main themes of RMNE research within international business scholarship. We then propose an ambitious agenda for new RMNE studies. These studies should prioritize four critical, grand challenges facing all large MNEs today, namely digital transformation, geopolitical instability, climate change impact mitigation and sustainability, and the broader need for resilience to large-scale disruptions. We formulate twelve research questions related to these four areas. We argue that adopting a regional perspective in the realm of MNE strategy, structure, and organizational practices to address the four challenges above is critical to the effective functioning of large, internationally operating companies and warrants continued, dedicated research within the field of international business strategy.