Export Promotion Agencies’ Lived Turmoil, Response and Strategies in COVID-19 Times

Valeska V. Geldres-Weiss, Nathaniel P. Massa and Joaquín Monreal-Pérez
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Valeska V. Geldres-Weiss: Department of Management and Economics, Faculty of Law and Business, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
Nathaniel P. Massa: Department of Management, Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy, University of Malta, MSD 2080 Msida, Malta
Joaquín Monreal-Pérez: Department of Business Management and Finances, Faculty of Economics and Business, Campus Universitario de Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 21, 1-24

Abstract: This paper explores Export Promotion Agencies’ (EPAs’) lived turmoil amid the COVID-19 crisis. It investigates: the EPAs’ perspective on pandemic impact on exporting SMEs; the pandemic impact on EPAs, their operations and response strategies; and EPAs’ perception and expectations post-COVID. The research draws on in-depth interviews with three countries’ EPA managers (Chile, Ecuador, Peru); five elite informants engaged operationally and strategically. A narrative approach inquiring on human experience is adopted, enabling rich insights on complex dynamics and contextual realities ‘from the inside’. Notwithstanding heavy regional impact, no research exists on South America; especially EPAs’ role in COVID times. The methodology provides intimate first-hand knowledge on idiosyncratic circumstances shrouded in uncertainty; unprecedented challenges faced at ground zero, addressed in unconventional ways. Country-specific complexities compounded pandemic impact. EPAs were compelled to rediscover their purpose, devising novel responses to help exporting SMEs. Notwithstanding reduced budgets and layoffs, the EPAs persevered, innovating resource-light solutions to pragmatically surmount turmoil; effectively serving their mission amid uncertainty and adversity. In/formal emergent trust-based cooperation strategies proved crucial. Also accentuated was production and consumption environmental sustainability. Detailed front-line perspectives provide valuable insight and important lessons on complex challenges endured and effective EPA action. Post-COVID perspectives, best practice and policy support recommendations are forthcoming.

Keywords: Export Promotion Agencies; exports; internationalisation; SME; COVID-19; crisis; uncertainty; South America; in-depth interviews; narratives (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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