Thinking small for the benefit of many: supporting retail SMEs in the process of internationalisation within the EU

Quinten Ruben Helwig

Master's thesis

Abstract:

Purpose – The goal of the research is twofold. It aims to identify obstacles that hinder retail SMEs in the process of internationalisation within the EU and to create a framework to address these factors. Design/methodology/approach – This research presents the results from a content analysis of a wide variety of papers. It identifies and classifies different obstacles together in overarching categories. Subsequently, digitalisation is analysed to assess whether it can address the obstacles in these categories through e-governance. Findings – Digitalisation can provide clear support to SMEs in the process of internationalisation. Through digitalisation, governments can provide businesses with information regarding requirements, rules and regulations in foreign markets, create awareness of internal limitations of the SMEs and offer assistance during the process itself. Research limitations/implications – The newly developed model has not been tested in different EU Member States. Practical implications – The information that is provided to SMEs during internationalisation needs to be tailored to the specific needs of the retail sector. Foreign markets are often complex; specified information helps SMEs to understand them. Originality/value – Many studies focus only on theoretical aspects. This thesis develops and provides a framework for policy makers to support SMEs in the internationalisation process.

Abstract:

Purpose – The goal of the research is twofold. It aims to identify obstacles that hinder retail SMEs in the process of internationalisation within the EU and to create a framework to address these factors. Design/methodology/approach – This research presents the results from a content analysis of a wide variety of papers. It identifies and classifies different obstacles together in overarching categories. Subsequently, digitalisation is analysed to assess whether it can address the obstacles in these categories through e-governance. Findings – Digitalisation can provide clear support to SMEs in the process of internationalisation. Through digitalisation, governments can provide businesses with information regarding requirements, rules and regulations in foreign markets, create awareness of internal limitations of the SMEs and offer assistance during the process itself. Research limitations/implications – The newly developed model has not been tested in different EU Member States. Practical implications – The information that is provided to SMEs during internationalisation needs to be tailored to the specific needs of the retail sector. Foreign markets are often complex; specified information helps SMEs to understand them. Originality/value – Many studies focus only on theoretical aspects. This thesis develops and provides a framework for policy makers to support SMEs in the internationalisation process.

Keywords

Internationalisation, retail, digitalisation, e-governance, small and medium- enterprises, European Union

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 30. 9. 2019

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 4. 7. 2019
• Supervisor: Dr. Jacob Jordaan
• Reader: Mgr. Vladan Hodulák, Ph.D.

Masaryk University

Faculty of Social Studies

Master programme / field:
International Territorial Studies / European Governance