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Are export promotion programs effective in promoting the internalization of SMEs?

Author

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  • Simona Comi

    (University of Milano-Bicocca)

  • Laura Resmini

    (University of Milano-Bicocca)

Abstract

This paper investigates the impact of Export Promotion Programs (EPPs) in Lombardy—one of the richest region in Italy and one of the four Motors of Europe—on the export performance of beneficiary firms. To assess the impact of the EPPs, we applied a fixed-effect differences-in-differences estimator with ex-ante matching. We shed light on why and how EPPs work by exploring in details what dimensions of export performance respond better to these programs, which support services are more related to export success and which firms benefit more. Our estimates suggest that assisted firms show higher export propensity and export intensity than non-assisted firms, with micro- and small-sized firms and already exporting firms benefiting the most. Last but not least, the effect of EPPs remains positive and significant even when the potential impact of other subsidies is accounted for. These results are useful for improving the design of EPPs.

Suggested Citation

  • Simona Comi & Laura Resmini, 2020. "Are export promotion programs effective in promoting the internalization of SMEs?," Economia Politica: Journal of Analytical and Institutional Economics, Springer;Fondazione Edison, vol. 37(2), pages 547-581, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:epolit:v:37:y:2020:i:2:d:10.1007_s40888-019-00170-8
    DOI: 10.1007/s40888-019-00170-8
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    Cited by:

    1. Stjepan Srhoj & Vanja Vitezic & Joachim Wagner, 2020. "Export boosting policies and firm behaviour: Review of empirical evidence around the world," Working Paper Series in Economics 395, University of Lüneburg, Institute of Economics.
    2. Paulo Barbosa & João Cortes & João Amador, 2024. "Distance to Export: A Machine Learning Approach with Portuguese Firms," GEE Papers 182, Gabinete de Estratégia e Estudos, Ministério da Economia, revised Jul 2024.
    3. Okunlola, Olalekan C. & Akinlo, Enisan A., 2021. "The Impact of Export Promotion Schemes on Agricultural Growth in Nigeria," African Journal of Economic Review, African Journal of Economic Review, vol. 9(1), January.
    4. Josée St-Pierre & Annie Royer & Crispin Enagogo & Jean Pierre Dany Menguele, 2024. "Autonomie financière et activités d’exportation des PME du secteur bioalimentaire : Planifier adéquatement les dépenses à engager," CIRANO Project Reports 2024rp-16, CIRANO.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    SMEs; Export promotion; Impact evaluation; Export performance;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L25 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Firm Performance
    • F14 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Empirical Studies of Trade
    • F13 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Trade Policy; International Trade Organizations
    • L15 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Information and Product Quality

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