Technological complexity and international reach in SMEs: an empirical investigation in an industrial region

Sebastiano Cattaruzzo (), Giancarlo Corò and Roshan Borsato
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Sebastiano Cattaruzzo: Ca’ Foscari University of Venice
Giancarlo Corò: Ca’ Foscari University of Venice
Roshan Borsato: Ca’ Foscari University of Venice

No 2024: 16, Working Papers from Department of Economics, University of Venice "Ca' Foscari"

Abstract: This study investigates the relationship between technological complexity and international performance in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) using data from a 2023 survey of firms in the Veneto region. We develop a Technological Complexity Index (TCI) to capture firms' adoption of advanced Industry 5.0 technologies. Our results reveal that higher TCI is associated with greater export intensity, broader geographical diversification, and reduced market concentration. Firms that adopt more comprehensive organizational strategies, such as product customization and post-sale services, also perform better internationally. Policy recommendations include targeted support for SMEs to enhance technological adoption through financial incentives and skills development programs.

Keywords: Technological complexity; international organization; export diversification (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: F14 F23 L25 O33 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 27 pages
Date: 2024
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-ent, nep-int and nep-sbm
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ven:wpaper:2024:16

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