This work aims to analyse the effect of the holistic view, continuous learning and information technology infrastructure on the creation of international business competences. The study also investigates whether the creation of this type of competence significantly affects firm performance using the structural equation modelling method of hypothesis testing. A survey of 257 companies from the biotechnology and telecommunications industries verifies the mediating role of international business competences. These findings suggest that managers should emphasise the creation of a holistic view, promote continuous learning and improve the information technology infrastructure in order to develop international business competences, because these competences have a positive and significant impact on firm performance.