This exploratory paper investigates the impact of cultural intelligence on the internationalization process of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) operating in the Romanian market, focusing on companies within the manufacturing and extractive industries. The study utilizes a mixed-methods approach, connecting quantitative data obtained from a self-administered online questionnaire completed by fourty-two companies, with the existing theoretical framework in order to address the research project's objective. The questionnaire assesses various dimensions of cultural intelligence and their influence on key aspects of internationalization, such as market entry strategies, cross-cultural communication, and adaptation to local business practices. The qualitative interviews further explore these dynamics, providing a deeper understanding of how cultural intelligence shapes decision-making and operational processes during international expansion. Preliminary findings suggest that higher levels of cultural intelligence among businesses correlate with more successful internationalization outcomes, particularly in overcoming cultural barriers and achieving effective cross-cultural interactions. These insights contribute to the broader understanding of the role of cultural intelligence in enhancing the competitiveness of SMEs in foreign markets. The study’s conclusions will provide actionable recommendations for SMEs aiming to refine their internationalization strategies, emphasizing the importance of targeted managerial training in cultural intelligence. By doing so, the research aims to offer practical guidance for businesses looking to achieve sustainable growth in increasingly diverse and competitive global markets.

Keywords: Internationalization, cultural intelligence, cross-cultural management, managerial training.