Export performance in emerging markets: upgrading evidence from a cluster in Brazil

Maria Laura Ferranty MacLennan, Ilan Avrichir and Cléber da Costa Figueiredo

International Journal of Business and Emerging Markets, 2015, vol. 7, issue 2, 186-202

Abstract: This research addresses the impact of different types of upgrading on a firm's export performance. Consistent with research using the value chain approach and clusters, we showed ways in which small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in a dimension stone cluster upgraded to higher value added activities. Data were analysed using Mann-Whitney U statistics for the surveyed companies. The results supported the hypotheses and indicated a positive association between export performance and product upgrading. Process and functional upgrading also showed significant results. These findings highlighted some managerial contributions, such as the importance of product improvements and international marketing activities for SMEs considering target market demands. This study also indicates the need to upgrade for internationalisation.

Keywords: value chains; upgrading; small and medium-sized enterprises; SMEs; exports; local development; export performance; emerging markets; Latin America; industrial clusters; Brazil; product improvement; international marketing; internationalisation. (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2015
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