Development of Proposals for Improvement of Internationalisation Support for SMEs in Lapland, Finland
Abong, Nico (2014)
Abong, Nico
Lapin ammattikorkeakoulu
2014
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2014111715794
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2014111715794
Tiivistelmä
The main objective of this research work is to develop proposals for improvement of SME internationalization support in Finnish Lapland. These proposals relate to current support services, support implementation strategies and collaboration in the implementation process. In addition, strategies are proposed for target market consolidation and diversification. This research and development work is commission by Kemin Digipolis. Lapin Ely-keskus provided financial assistance. Lapin Yrittäjät reviewed and distributed a questionnaire to SMEs in Lapland.
The proposals put forward are based on strong theoretical and empirical evidence collected and analysed during the research process. Theoretical data used mainly include general theories, concepts and models on SME internationalisation and results from related research conducted in Finland, the EC, the OECD and APEC countries. These data form the conceptual framework for the research
The main sources of empirical data in this research are SMEs and BSOs in Lapland. Interviews, questionnaires and observations are used in data collection. The interviews are conducted through face-to-face meetings and questionnaires are distributed using the online survey. Both qualitative and qualitative methods are used in the collection and analysis of empirical data.
Based on the analysed data, proposals are advanced for improvement of SME internationalisation support in Lapland. These proposals are related to improvement of SME access to vital information, effective collaboration between support service providers and target market consolidation and diversification. Three strategy models and approaches are also proposed. These include a structure for collaboration and coordination of SME internationalisation support actors in Lapland, an Industry-based approach to identifying opportunities in emerging regions and an SME internationalisation support model.
The proposals put forward are based on strong theoretical and empirical evidence collected and analysed during the research process. Theoretical data used mainly include general theories, concepts and models on SME internationalisation and results from related research conducted in Finland, the EC, the OECD and APEC countries. These data form the conceptual framework for the research
The main sources of empirical data in this research are SMEs and BSOs in Lapland. Interviews, questionnaires and observations are used in data collection. The interviews are conducted through face-to-face meetings and questionnaires are distributed using the online survey. Both qualitative and qualitative methods are used in the collection and analysis of empirical data.
Based on the analysed data, proposals are advanced for improvement of SME internationalisation support in Lapland. These proposals are related to improvement of SME access to vital information, effective collaboration between support service providers and target market consolidation and diversification. Three strategy models and approaches are also proposed. These include a structure for collaboration and coordination of SME internationalisation support actors in Lapland, an Industry-based approach to identifying opportunities in emerging regions and an SME internationalisation support model.