“…Although studies didn't find statistically significant relationship between innovation and export performance (Mais, Carvalho, & Amal, 2014), we hypothesized, in line with the empirical study of Monreal-Pérez et al (2012), as well as evidences from Cassiman, Golovko and Martínez-Ros (2010), Alegre, Pla-Barber, Chiva and Villar (2012), Becker and Egger (2013) and Tavassoli (2013), that, due to the gains in the competitiveness, innovation can be seen as a strategic advantage to overcome trade barriers and to establish a significant market position, as well in the domestic as in foreign markets: H3: Innovation is positively associated with export performance of firms.…”