Export Competitive Advantages : The Relevance of Firm Characteristics

In drawing attention to certain important gaps in the exporting literature, reports on a systematic study of the export competitive advantages of indigenous manufacturers in a small European country. The focus is on the examination of potential differences in perceptions of export competitive advantages with regard to firms′ size, export involvement and export market experience. The research findings suggest the existence of significant differences in perceived export competitive advantages between different exporter groups in terms of company size and degree of export involvement. However, no relationship is established between perceptions of competitive advantages and export market experience. Discusses managerial and public policy implications of these findings and outlines directions for future research.