Determinants of Internationalization: Differences between Service and Manufacturing SMES

This paper empirically investigates the antecedents of internationalization of SMEs, focusing on differences between the manufacturing and service sectors. Specifically, employing a bivariate probit model based on survey data of approximately 3,900 East German firms, I analyze which firm-related and external factors affect a firm's decision to export and/or relocate production or other operations abroad. Generally, I find that SMEs from the manufacturing sector do more exporting than service firms. The results reveal that size, having main competitors located abroad, and introducing a novel product all are significantly positively related to the internationalization of SMEs regardless of industry affiliation. However, manufacturing firms in the high-tech sector are far more likely to be engaged in internationalization activity than are service firms, regardless of whether the latter are high-tech. Locational conditions and cooperation activities are generally less important for internationalization of service firms, too, compared to their manufacturing counterparts

Internationalisation of technology-oriented firms in Germany and the UK

High technology industries, Start-up, Internationalisation, F23, L20, L26, L60, L80,

Export stimulation of micro- and small locally owned firms from emerging environments: New evidence

Micro- and small locally owned firms, Exporting, Export stimuli, Emerging environment,