Significance of globalization-specific factors for SME competitiveness: a conceptual model and an empirical test

Zhelyu Vladimirov, Ralitsa Simeonova-Ganeva and Kaloyan Ganev
Authors registered in the RePEc Author Service: Ралица Симеонова-Ганева

MPRA Paper from University Library of Munich, Germany

Abstract: On the basis of existing theory we suggest two main types of factors for SME competitiveness. The first type is comprised of the basic factors, including internal, external and entrepreneur-related factors, all well-defined and discussed in the IO and RBV approach and the configuration theory as well. The second type consists of globalization-specific factors, referring to the innovation related processes as a response to the globalization challenges (innovation, internationalization, ICT and quality standards adoption, etc.). Our main research question is: Do globalization-specific factors have a significant impact on SME performance in times of crisis and post-crisis recovery? Using the two types of factors, we develop a conceptual model explaining their role for SME performance. We suggest that globalization-specific factors determine SME performance, and that the configurations of the two types of factors differ in times of crisis and post-crisis recovery. Research hypotheses are tested through construction of indexes for competitiveness and logit models using data on Bulgarian SMEs for two periods – one of economic crisis, and another of post-crisis recovery. Empirical evidence confirms significant impact of globalization-specific factors in period of post-crisis recovery only. Our findings show that the configuration of basic and globalization-specific factors with respect to business success is dynamic: in times of crises globalization-specific factors have no significant impact while basic factors have dominant role. In times of post-crises recovery both factors seem to be equally important for SME performance.

Keywords: SMEs; competitiveness; basic factors; globalization-specific factors; configuration; crisis; post-crisis recovery (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: L25 M0 M10 M20 O10 O30 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2013-08-15
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-cse and nep-sbm
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

Published in Business Systems Review Issue 3.3(2013): pp. 1-25

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