Title: High-technology firms' perceptions of their international competitiveness

Authors: Marian Jones, Dave Crick

Addresses: International Business Unit, University of Strathclyde, UK. Business School, University of Central England, Perry Barr, Birmingham, B42 2SU, UK

Abstract: This paper reports empirical results from a research project investigating selected characteristics and perceptions of technologically oriented firms. Specifically, it examines data from a survey of winners of the Queen|s Award for Technological Achievement, and from a sample of technologically oriented firms that did not apply for the award. This paper is especially concerned with firms| perceptions of factors contributing to their international competitiveness. Findings from a postal survey and subsequent interviews indicate that there are a number of differences between the two groups of firms. Implications are that some of the characteristics and practices that set winners of the Queen|s Award apart from other technology-based firms in their domestic market contribute to their performance overseas. While the Queen|s Award for Technological Achievement is not specifically awarded to firms for their internationalisation capabilities, these firms provide valuable advice to technology-based firms entering international markets.

Keywords: competitiveness; high technology; international entrepreneurship; Queen|s Award; UK.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBPM.2000.000086

International Journal of Business Performance Management, 2000 Vol.2 No.4, pp.311-328

Published online: 13 Jul 2003 *

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