Portuguese textile association fostering the internationalisation of small and medium-sized enterprises

• Tipo: Artigo em Revista Científica Internacional
• Data: 2020

Autores

Susana Costa e Silva (Autor) Outra; Maria Elo (Autor) Outra; Jorge Pinho de Sousa (Autor) Outra; Eric Costa (Autor) Outra; António Lucas Soares (Autor) FEUP

Revista

Título: International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business

Vol. 1

Página Final: 1

ISSN: 1476-1297

Editora: Inderscience Publishers

Outras Informações

ID Authenticus: P-00R-Y2H

DOI: 10.1504/ijesb.2020.10026914

Abstract (EN): The support and influence of industrial business associations (IBAs) for the internationalisation process of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in questioned. This qualitative case study on the textile industry in Portugal illustrates how SMEs are influenced by their IBA. Findings suggest that it has a preponderant role in supporting the international expansion of associated SMEs. Particularly, the promotion and organisation of trade fairs seems to foster first entries and continuous international expansion, in the same way IBA seems to influence their foreign market selection. However, SMEs feel that the IBA’s work could still improve by facilitating more matchmaking processes, promoting collaborations, better seizing available internationalisation opportunities and providing more information about agents and distributors in foreign markets. Thus, we can say that despite internet and global opportunities that firms can directly benefit from, the role of IBAs is still relevant for SME’s internationalisation and there is stillroom for the improvement.

Idioma: Inglês

Tipo (Avaliação Docente): Científica