Title: Innovation, export orientation, export assistance, and SMEs' export performance: a case in Vietnam's Mekong delta provinces

Authors: Ai-Cam Tran; Giang-Do Nguyen; Thu-Hien Thi Dao; Anh-Tin Ngo

Addresses: Nguyen Tat Thanh University, HCMC, Vietnam; Institute for Creative Design and Business, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam ' Faculty of Business Administration, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Department of Business Innovation, Institute for Creative Design and Business, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam ' Department of International Business, Faculty of Business Administration, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam ' Faculty of Business Administration, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Department of Science and Technology, Can Tho City, Vietnam

Abstract: This study explores the impact of innovation capability on the relationships of export assistance, and export market orientation (EMO) on the export performance of SMEs. Based on the resource-based view (RBV), by incorporating the relationship marketing theory (RMT) and domestic and firm characteristics, this study proposes and validates a research model using convenience sampling (n = 318) and a face-to-face survey of SMEs exporting agricultural products in the Mekong Delta region, Vietnam. The SmartPLS4 package was utilised for data analysis. The research findings reveal that: 1) except export assistance, factors including export market orientation, commitment, trust, and innovation significantly affect export performance; 2) while innovation acts as a mediator of the relationship between export assistance-export performance, it does not mediate the link export market orientation-export performance. This study enriches the export literature by providing original insights into the key drivers of export success for SMEs and suggests theoretical and practical implications for emerging economies.

Keywords: export performance; innovation; relationship marketing; export market orientation; EMO; export assistance; small and medium-sized enterprises; SME; Vietnam.

DOI: 10.1504/JIBED.2024.139134

Journal for International Business and Entrepreneurship Development, 2024 Vol.16 No.1, pp.86 - 116

Received: 17 Mar 2024
Accepted: 20 Mar 2024
Published online: 14 Jun 2024 *

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