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

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2020

Authors

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

Journal

Title: International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business

Vol. 1

Final page: 1

ISSN: 1476-1297

Publisher: Inderscience Publishers

Other information

Authenticus ID: 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.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific