Article: Export performance and the internationalisation of SMEs Journal: International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business (IJESB) 2017 Vol.30 No.2 pp.214 - 240 Abstract: This paper proposes a conceptual model that analyses the factors influencing the export performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and integrates international entrepreneurship theory and international strategies. Rooted in an extensive bibliography that provides the basis for key constructs, the proposed model brings together the fundamentals of SMEs' internationalisation processes that influence these enterprises' export performance. The model highlights three important factors: industry-, environment- and firm-related aspects affecting firms' entrepreneurial orientation. The model contributes to a better understanding of the key factors affecting the export performance of SMEs, providing a simple structure that can be strategically used by entrepreneurs when launching their firms into international markets. The model complements previous approaches but offers a more integrative approach based on research that ventures further into a little explored area of the literature on internationalisation theories. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: Export performance and the internationalisation of SMEs

Authors: Cláudia P. Ribau; António C. Moreira; Mário Raposo

Addresses: DEGEI Department Campus Universitário de Santiago, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal ' DEGEI, GOVCOPP, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal ' Management and Economics Department/NECE, University of Beira Interior, Estrada do Sineiro, s/n 6200-209 Covilhã, Portugal

Abstract: This paper proposes a conceptual model that analyses the factors influencing the export performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and integrates international entrepreneurship theory and international strategies. Rooted in an extensive bibliography that provides the basis for key constructs, the proposed model brings together the fundamentals of SMEs' internationalisation processes that influence these enterprises' export performance. The model highlights three important factors: industry-, environment- and firm-related aspects affecting firms' entrepreneurial orientation. The model contributes to a better understanding of the key factors affecting the export performance of SMEs, providing a simple structure that can be strategically used by entrepreneurs when launching their firms into international markets. The model complements previous approaches but offers a more integrative approach based on research that ventures further into a little explored area of the literature on internationalisation theories.

Keywords: internationalisation; small and medium-sized enterprises; SMEs; SME performance; firm performance; conceptual models; international strategy; international entrepreneurship; export performance; entrepreneurial orientation; international markets.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESB.2017.081438

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 2017 Vol.30 No.2, pp.214 - 240

Received: 19 Sep 2015
Accepted: 21 Oct 2015
Published online: 08 Jan 2017 *

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Title: Export performance and the internationalisation of SMEs

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