From Local to Global: Strategies for Manufacturing SMEs to Expand into International Markets
Keywords:
SME characteristics, environmental characteristics, network, entry mode, logistics and distribution, marketing strategy, internationalizationAbstract
This study explored how to strategize (1) logistics and distribution, (2) SME characteristics, (3) environmental characteristics, (4) network, (5) entry mode and (6) marketing to expand into international markets for manufacturing SMEs. The researchers conducted a quantitative survey of 377 individuals with experience in managing manufacturing SMEs in Myanmar and Thailand in international markets. The statistical tools for data analysis were based on four frameworks from earlier research to construct a new conceptual framework. The study revealed that firm characteristics and host-country characteristics positively influence the choice of entry mode, which in turn significantly affects the internationalization of manufacturing SMEs. The research also identified that effective entry mode selection is critical for successful international expansion, highlighting the importance of strategic alignment with both internal capabilities and external market conditions. The study acknowledged that the focus on manufacturing SMEs within a specific geographic region could affect the generalizability of the findings. The obtained findings are expected to contribute to a limited literature on internationalization strategies for manufacturing SMEs, as well as provide a comprehensive analysis of the most efficient approaches or best practices in the SME industry.
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