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The determinants of export performance: A firm-level study of Italian manufacturing

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  • Alessandro Sterlacchini

Abstract

This paper analyses the main determinants of a firm's probability to export and export intensity and presents the findings of an empirical study carried our for a large sample of Italian firms. Among these determinants, the study considers the firms' size and industry, the geographical location, the working as a subcontractor, and the affiliation with business groups. Moreover, along with R&D intensity, other qualitative indicators of innovation are taken into account. On the basis of Probit and Tobit estimates, it emerges that the determinants of export performance change according to the size of firms. In particular, only for small firms the relationship between size and export performance is positive. The export probability and intensity of SMEs decrease with the share of sales due to subcontracting. Larger firms, instead, benefit more from being affiliated with business groups. Finally, innovative activities are particularly effective in raising the export performance of medium-sized and large firms.
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Suggested Citation

  • Alessandro Sterlacchini, 2001. "The determinants of export performance: A firm-level study of Italian manufacturing," Review of World Economics (Weltwirtschaftliches Archiv), Springer;Institut für Weltwirtschaft (Kiel Institute for the World Economy), vol. 137(3), pages 450-472, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:weltar:v:137:y:2001:i:3:p:450-472
    DOI: 10.1007/BF02707626
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Andrew Bernard & Joachim Wagner, 1997. "Exports and success in German manufacturing," Review of World Economics (Weltwirtschaftliches Archiv), Springer;Institut für Weltwirtschaft (Kiel Institute for the World Economy), vol. 133(1), pages 134-157, March.
    2. Lefebvre, Elisabeth & Lefebvre, Louis A & Bourgault, Mario, 1998. "R&D-Related Capabilities as Determinants of Export Performance," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 10(4), pages 365-377, June.
    3. Fagerberg, Jan, 1988. "International Competitiveness," Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 98(391), pages 355-374, June.
    4. Seev Hirsch & Ilan Bijaoui, 1985. "R&D intensity and export performance: A micro view," Review of World Economics (Weltwirtschaftliches Archiv), Springer;Institut für Weltwirtschaft (Kiel Institute for the World Economy), vol. 121(2), pages 238-251, June.
    5. Andrea Bonaccorsi, 1992. "On the Relationship Between Firm Size and Export Intensity," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 23(4), pages 605-635, December.
    6. Wakelin, Katharine, 1998. "Innovation and export behaviour at the firm level," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 26(7-8), pages 829-841, April.
    7. Basevi, Giorgio, 1970. "Domestic Demand and Ability to Export," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 78(2), pages 330-337, March-Apr.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    F10; D21; O33;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L10 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - General
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes

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