Title: Internationalisation of Indian SMEs: problems and prospects

Authors: Nidhi Arora; Parneet Kaur

Addresses: Department of Commerce, GGDSD College, Kheri Gurna, Banur – 140417, Punjab, India ' School of Management Studies, Punjabi University, Patiala – 147002, India

Abstract: The purpose of this research is to find out the factors that initiate and hinder the process of internationalisation of small and medium enterprises with reference to state of Punjab in India. The factors which initiate internationalisation of Punjab SMEs were divided into internal and external factors. The data was collected through questionnaire from 100 SME exporters from Punjab. The firms were selected from the top five industries which contributed maximum to the exports. With the help factor analysis and multiple regression technique, the findings indicate that the factors initiating internationalisation are international direction, resource capability, managerial competencies, technology Up gradation, competitive industry, international networks and government support whereas, the barriers faced were operational and governmental problems. The results of the study provide us with various factors which should be kept in mind while entering into foreign markets and will help the policy makers to make strategies regarding internationalisation of SMEs.

Keywords: internationalisation; SMEs; exporters; barriers; driving forces; small and medium enterprises; managerial factors; firm factors; international networks; foreign markets; exports.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEBR.2021.113151

International Journal of Economics and Business Research, 2021 Vol.21 No.2, pp.180 - 205

Received: 10 Dec 2019
Accepted: 21 Mar 2020
Published online: 22 Feb 2021 *

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