354 research outputs found
Policies to support internationalization
No full textThis paper presents practical suggestions and recommendations as to how public policy in Europe could make more of a contribution to the profitable exploitation of foreign market opportunities by Europe’s SMEs. The paper will seek to combine practical policy relevance with theoretical soundness. As such, it will present a relevant and useful example of the relationship between scientifically robust research and public policy making. In this regard, the opportunity will be taken to identify a number of relevant issues in public policy making including some conclusions drawn with respect to the extent to which policy for internationalization is evidence based, as well as aspects of internationalization policy appears to have run ahead on the scientific evidence base
UK SMEs' entrepreneurial behaviour and planning in BREXIT
No full textUncertainty is known to be associated with the internationalisation process in past research. Brexit has simulated the uncertainty in the UK business environment, especially to exporting SMEs. As the lifeblood of the UK economy, SMEs’ international behaviour and planning in this turbulent environment is central to reflect their responses to the economic and political changes. This study aims to explore the entrepreneurial planning and behaviour of UK based SMEs and their reaction to Brexit. More specifically, a comparative study is conducted to verify how born globals and established enterprises perceive and the consequences on their planning and behaviour
The impact of Brexit on UK firms’ internationalisation: a comparative study between Born Globals vs traditional SMEs
No full textChina – a focus on local policy Regional differences in the policy initiatives for entrepreneurial activities
No full textThis chapter focuses on local public policies relevant to SME development and entrepreneurship in China. Previous research has mainly been concerned with specific policies and programmes promoting innovative SMEs and entrepreneurship at the national level. Using the documents of entrepreneurship policy initiatives and datasets on SME development in two contrasting provinces covering a period of 10 years, entrepreneurship policy in China is shown to be more complex than in most other countries, serving not only entrepreneurial activities but also institutional transition. Geographic disparities in SME development and entrepreneurship are demonstrated (see detailed analysis undertaken in Guangdong and Sichuan). As a result, whilst there are marked differences in the policy priorities in Guangdong and Sichuan, all levels of government share a common goal to promote entrepreneurship and innovation
Policies to support internationalisation: who needs them and what do they need?
No full textThis chapter provides an assessment of the current policy approaches in Europe to assisting SMEs in responding to the opportunities created by contemporary internationalisation processes. Drawing on a broad view of what constitutes internationalisation rather than narrowly focusing on export activity, the study investigated the sources of finance and business support for internationalising European SMEs; in particular, those who invest in Japan, at both national and European policy level. The method used involves a combination of desk-based research with telephone interviews, where possible, with key experts involved in the field. By exemplifying several policy practices in Ireland, Czech Republic, UK, Germany, and Japan, the research has analysed both good practices and the gaps that need to be addressed and what can be learned across contexts. Finally, some practical suggestions were proposed as to how public policy in Europe could make more of a contribution to the profitable exploitation of foreign market opportunities by Europe’s SMEs.<br/
Promoting private sector development in China: the challenge of building institutional capacity at the local level
No full textChina’s rapid growth in recent decades can be attributed in large part to the emergence of a vibrant private sector, which now accounts for around three quarters of the economy. Despite government pronouncements in support of private small businesses, public policy and institutions to support private sector development have been slow to emerge and address their needs. However, many privately owned enterprises are in need of assistance, affected by internal capability constraints such as a lack of management and leadership skills and by an external environment that still privileges state-owned enterprises. Although policy makers may have had other policy priorities in the past, and private enterprises have been able to survive and grow without inputs of professional advice and support, we argue that in the future small and medium-sized enterprises in China will require appropriate and effective business support to continue to grow. In this context we consider two interventions designed to build institutional capacity to provide business support at a local level and the barriers to be overcome if an effective framework for state promotion of privately owned small businesses is to be established
State promotion of SME development at the local level in China: an examination of two cases
No full textPurpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine state promotion of private sector development in China, with particular emphasis on local configurations of support and service provision. Design/methodology/approach – Via analysis of two cases, constraints on the development of small‐ to medium‐sized enterprise (SME) support and enabling environments and infrastructures are explored. Findings – The cases highlight several fundamental constraints to state support for private sector development, including: an under‐developed market for business development and other support services; lack of budgetary facility in municipalities to resource publicly supported services to private SMEs; a lack of expertise within local government to develop mechanisms to engage with and support the development of privately owned enterprises. Research limitations/implications – The localised nature of implementation of the 2003 SME Promotion Law, at municipal and county level, appears to be a constraint on systematic development of comprehensive SME support systems, as mandated by this law. Practical implications – First, the private sector has grown without emergence of a purposive infrastructure of direct state support to enable this development, which appears to be a positive outcome from reform. Second, future private sector growth may be constrained should local government not develop mechanisms to engage with the private sector to enable its continued growth and development. Originality/value – The paper offers insight into current, and future, relations state promotion of enterprise in China
Internationalisation and European small- and medium-sized enterprises
No full textThe chapter introduces main theoretical approaches to the study of SME internationalisation, opportunities and challenges, the SMEs’ international orientation and tendency in different contexts. The discussion will be illustrated with some empirical evidence not only in Central and Eastern Europe but also in a wider context. Additionally, the public policy intervention on SME internationalisation will be discussed to verify how the existing support has addressed SME needs to facilitate internationalisation and what the remaining concerns are
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