SMEs export consortia and the development of intangible resources

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of export consortia in developing countries as a means to develop intangible resources that enhance SMEs' competitiveness. Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents a framework for the analysis of the processes through which intangible resources are developed within export consortia. The methodology employed involves in‐depth case studies of nine export consortia supported by UNIDO in Morocco, Peru, Tunisia, and Uruguay, during the period 2004‐2007. Findings – The participation in export consortia is very important not only to develop intangible resources that increase competitiveness abroad, but also for becoming more competitive at domestic level. This is particularly relevant for SMEs from developing countries. Research limitations/implications – The findings are based on nine case studies of export consortia in developing countries. All these consortia are rather young and developed with the support of UNIDO. Future studies should explore the issues addressed in the paper through the analysis of consortia of different size and age as well as different countries. Practical implications – The findings and the framework proposed can be used by SMEs, consultants and agencies that support export consortia in the formulation of the consortium strategy and by policy‐makers to identify conditions for successful cooperation among SMEs. Originality/value – The research is among the few that analyze export consortia and the first to offer a conceptual framework and empirical evidence linking intangible resources, export consortia, SMEs and developing countries.