Development of Joint Internationalization Strategy for European Construction SMEs

Konstantinos Nikolopoulos () and Denia Kanellopoulou ()
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Konstantinos Nikolopoulos: National Center for Scientific Research “Demokritos”
Denia Kanellopoulou: National Center for Scientific Research “Demokritos”

A chapter in Technology Management for Intelligent, Open and Responsible Organizations and Ecosystems, 2026, pp 252-259 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract The COVID-19 crisis exposed European SMEs’ weaknesses in adopting new technologies and processes, especially in construction, where stagnant productivity, low digitization, and reliance on manual labour persist. Lower adaptability of construction SMEs, rising costs, and labour shortages further drive the need for innovation. To address these challenges, clusters addressing construction SMEs are advised to develop a joint internationalization strategy to maintain competitiveness in this landscape. This paper analyses the strategy leveraging cluster collaboration within the EU and beyond, equipping SMEs with tools, resources, and expertise while ensuring continuous market adaptation. Following European cluster collaboration guidelines, the initiative aligns scientific insights with business internationalization strategies to maximize SME benefits. An initial six-month roadmap fosters global partnerships, attracts foreign investment, and promotes networking for the green and digital transformation of the construction industry. Success relies on clear budgeting, defined KPIs, monitoring mechanisms, and results-driven international agreements.

Keywords: construction; SMEs; clusters; internationalisation strategy; market adaptation; foreign investments (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:spr:prbchp:978-3-032-23282-3_31

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DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-23282-3_31

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