Export behaviour of SMEs in transition countries

Abstract

Abstract:Melitz's dynamic model of export participation is the basis of our empirical specification that accounts for a wide range of internal and external factors affecting the export behaviour of SMEs in Transition Countries (TCs). Using firm-level data, our estimates highlight the particular importance of the human and technology-related factors to the export behaviour of SMEs in TCs. Other important factors for SME exporting activities are productivity-enhancing spillovers from industry -especially vertical -linkages, firm size, ownership type, type of activity, the availability of external finance, networking through business associations, and market share. In addition, significant period and country differences are identified. This paper contributes to the transition literature by filling an important gap in the understanding of the SME internationalisation process and by identifying a comprehensive set of variables to explain firms' export behaviour in TCs. Melitz's dynamic model of export participation is the basis of our empirical specification that accounts for a wide range of internal and external factors affecting the export behaviour of SMEs in Transition Countries (TCs). Using firm-level data, our estimates highlight the particular importance of the human and technologyrelated factors to the export behaviour of SMEs in TCs. Other important factors for SME exporting activities are productivity-enhancing spillovers from industry -especially vertical -linkages, firm size, ownership type, type of activity, the availability of external finance, networking through business associations, and market share. In addition, significant period and country differences are identified. This paper contributes to the transition literature by filling an important gap in the understanding of the SME internationalisation process and by identifying a comprehensive set of variables to explain firms' export behaviour in TCs.

¿influye La Personalidad De Los Directivos De Pymes en Los Resultados Exportadores?

“…Además, diversos estudios refuerzan la idea de que las PyMEs internacionalizadas tienen mayor probabilidad de supervivencia (Floriani & Fleury, 2012;Lee, Kelley, Lee, & Lee, 2012), por lo que ayudar a éstas en su proceso de internacionalización implica mejorar su probabilidad de subsistencia a medio y largo plazo, tanto en economías desarrolladas como en economías en vías de desarrollo (Gashi, Hashi, & Pugh, 2014).…”

As capacidades dinâmicas para a inovação e os padrões de internacionalização de empresas de base tecnológica: um estudo de casos múltiplos com PMEs brasileiras

“…This exposure happens in business networks and through the acquisition of innovative products and technologies from other organizations, aiming the absorption, or, in a lesser degree, the imitation of innovations and technologies. This pattern of innovation development is commonly found in latecomers innovators from transitional and emerging economies (Gashi et al, 2014).…”

“…In pursuance of competitive advantages, the strategic management of these resources is of paramount importance and aims to differentiate the company both in domestic and foreign markets (Ruzzier et al, 2006). Yet, the outward internationalization process enhances the development of technological innovations, which, successively, leads to the accumulation of knowledge and information for the development of technologies and the improvement of the productivity and business performance (Cerrato, 2009;D'Angelo, 2012;Gashi, Hashi, & Pugh, 2014).…”

“…Additionaly, there are the drivers for the internationalization process, such as innovation (Cerrato, 2009;Chetty & Stangl, 2010;Colovic, 2013;D'Angelo, 2012;Esteve-Pérez & Rodríguez, 2013;Gashi et al, 2014;Gerschewski et al, 2015;Guan & Ma, 2003;Halilem et al, 2014;Karadeniz & Goeçer, 2007;Kylaeheiko et al, 2011;Loefgren, 2014;Oxtorp & Elg, 2015;Pla-Barber & Alegre, 2007;Poblete & Amorós, 2013;Rammer & Schmiele, 2009;Rodríguez & Rodríguez, 2005;Sass, 2012), business networks (Ghauri et al, 2003;Johanson & Vahlne, 2009;Tambunan, 2009;Tang, 2011) and the manager's goals and global mindset (Andersson & Tell, 2009;Bloodgood, 2006;Blackburn, Hart, & Wainwright, 2013;Miocevic & Crnjak-Karanovic, 2012).…”

“…SMEs also concur to the economic transition process, from a transition economy, characteristic of developing nations, to a market economy (Thai & Chong, 2013). In addition, due to the crescent liberalization, globalization and market competition, SMEs are increasingly expanding their market participation internationally (Chetty & Campbell-Hunt, 2003;Gashi, Hashi, & Pugh, 2014;Jones & Coviello, 2005;Nummela, Loane, & Bell, 2006;Oezçelik & Taymaz, 2004;Williams, 2006).…”