Drivers of SMEs' exporting activity: a review and a research agenda. Issue 3 (19th September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Francioni, Barbara; Pagano, Alessandro; Castellani, Davide
• Is Part Of: Multinational business review. Volume 24:Issue 3(2016)
• Page Start: 194
• Page End: 215
• Publication Date: 2016-09-19
• Subjects: Internationalization -- Small- and medium-sized enterprises -- Export driver -- Export stimuli; International business enterprises -- Periodicals; International business enterprises -- Accounting -- Periodicals; International business enterprises -- Management -- Periodicals; Comparative accounting -- Periodicals; Comparative management -- Periodicals; 338.88
• DOI: 10.1108/MBR-06-2016-0023
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1525-383X

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to provide a systematic and updated assessment of studies on key exporting stimuli for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and to propose a research agenda on this topic. Design/methodology/approach: The authors develop a review of empirical articles on SMEs' exporting stimuli and outline future research directions based on key emerging drivers. Findings: Research on SMEs' exporting drivers focuses mainly on human resources' competences, skills and subjective characteristics and on the role of relevant network actors (customers, intermediaries). Originality/value: This paper provides an original contribution with regard to updating the framework on export drivers byLeonidou et al. (2007), highlighting an emerging research perspective based on internal/external network dimensions and proposing future research directions on internal individual and organisational actors and on new external network actors.