Unlocking Growth Barriers: Firm-Driven Solutions for SME Export Efforts and Support Services
Project information
Project description
Finnish SMEs have significant untapped export potential, yet many struggle to identify, access, and benefit from existing public export support services. This project investigates export promotion from the perspective of SMEs and seeks to understand why available services do not always translate into successful foreign market entry, growth, or investment.
The project places firms at the centre of analysis and examines what kinds of support SMEs actually need, why current services are often underused, and what barriers reduce their practical value. By combining empirical evidence from Finnish SMEs with international comparisons and best practices, the project aims to generate actionable, firm-driven recommendations for improving export support services in Finland.
The research uses a multi-method design, including qualitative interviews, focus groups, a large-scale SME survey, and the co-development and pilot testing of practical tools with participating firms. The project will produce a policy report, a digital SME export tool or guide, teaching materials, stakeholder workshops, and a national seminar to disseminate findings and recommendations.