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Support for Improving the International Performance of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

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  • Silviya Georgieva

    (University of National and World Economy, Sofia, Bulgaria)

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to investigate the role of public support for the successful internationalization of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Bulgaria. The focus is on the internationalization of this group of enterprises not only because of their great number, but also because of their contribution to Bulgarian economy. Out of the total number of SMEs, 500 companies are examined through a standardized questionnaire. These companies are from different economic sectors, and differ in terms of their size and type of ownership. The results reveal that the public services most preferred by the surveyed companies for their successful internationalization are: providing information about foreign markets; encouraging participation in fairs and exhibitions; supporting the creation of contacts with potential partners. Often these companies receive needed services from local territorial administrations, and not from national ones. This suggests the need for a more active use of the potential of local administrations to support the SMEs internationalization. The results also show that the specific needs of a large group of enterprises (the family-owned companies) are not well known yet.

Suggested Citation

  • Silviya Georgieva, 2020. "Support for Improving the International Performance of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises," Economic Alternatives, University of National and World Economy, Sofia, Bulgaria, issue 1, pages 164-183, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:nwe:eajour:y:2020:i:1:p:164-183
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Entrepreneurship; small and medium-sized enterprises; public support; internationalization;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L26 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Entrepreneurship
    • F23 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - Multinational Firms; International Business
    • L11 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Production, Pricing, and Market Structure; Size Distribution of Firms

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