Each SIE partner region carried out some research work to find out more about SME internationalisation in Europe. The work focused on finding out the extent of international trade in the partner regions, barriers to internationalisation, the effectiveness of SME support programmes and recommendations about how to improve policies and their sub-programmes to increase internationalisation levels among companies.
Kent (UK):
The first part of the Kent SME Internationalisation Study was finalised in March 2017 and can be viewed here or you can download an executive summary here
The second part of the Kent SME Internationalisation Study which focuses on the potential impacts of Brexit was finalised at the end of 2019 and can be viewed here.
Molise (Italy):
The Molise SME Internationalisation Study was finalised in May 2017 and can be viewed here or you can download an executive summary here
Kujawsko-Pomorskie (Poland):
The SME internationalisation study for the Kuyavian and Pomeranian Province, Poland was finalised in June 2017 and can be viewed here. An executive summary is also available here.
Ústí (Czech Republic):
The executive study of the Ústí Region, Czech Republic can be viewed here
Nouvelle-Aquitaine (France):
The SME Internationalisation study for the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region in SW France was finalised in August 2017 and can be viewed here. An executive summary is also available here.
Cantabria (Spain):
The SME Internationalisation study for the region of Cantabria in Northern Spain, was finished in October 2017 and can be downloaded here. The executive summary can be viewed here.
Cross-Regional Comparative Study:
The Kent Business School carried out an analysis of the different regional studies conducted as part of the SIE project. The analysis picks up some common issues which the SIE partner regions (and no doubt other regions across Europe!) face with SME internationalisation. The analysis also includes a series of recommendations which the SIE partners will use to improve their SME support policies and programmes. The comparative study can be downloaded here.
SIE Phase 3:
The SIE project was recently extended to the end of September 2022 in order to consider the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on SME internationalisation in the different SIE partner regions. Each partner is overseeing some new survey or study work to provide insight into this:
Kent:
The Kent Business School carried out a study based on a questionnaire sent out to local SMEs to find out more about the impacts of the pandemic on exporting. The study can be downloaded here.
Molise:
Molise regions study into the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on SME internationalisation can be downloaded here.
Ústí:
Ústí region's report on SME internationalisation in the context of the pandemic can be downloaded here.
Lower Saxony:
Study work from Lower Saxony on the impacts of the pandemic on internationalisation can be downloaded here.
Cantabria:
The findings of the survey work carried out with local SMEs in Cantabria about internationalisation can be downloaded here.
Comparative of Regional Study Work:
The Kent Business School carried out an analysis of all of the SIE regional studies looking at SME internationalisation post-Covid. The report can be downloaded here.
Our partner regions have some great examples of support programmes which help SMEs with internationalisation.
What challenges do SMEs face with internationalisation? How effective are programmes designed to help them? Find out with our regional studies.
