15/12/2016

Internationalization of innovation within SMEs

The text on this page was automatically translated and hence may differ from the original. No rights can be derived from this translation.

There are relatively few SMEs that engage in R&D and innovation, and the number doing this on an international scale is even more limited. This is unfortunate because based on various studies, we can conclude that SMEs that are internationally active are more profitable, grow faster (and thus create more jobs), and innovate more quickly. Dialogic investigated the barriers for SMEs to innovate internationally.
  • International business is risky and costly. For example, SMEs find it difficult to protect their intellectual property.
  • SMEs also face trade restrictions and complex administrative procedures.
  • Finding good local partners is also a major challenge. Collaborating with foreign partners is hindered by distance, language barriers, and also by cultural differences.
Additionally, the study looked at the extent to which current European policies stimulate international innovation. Encouraging internationalisation (export) and R&D and innovation often appear to be two separate worlds. This research was conducted in collaboration with the German company Empirica on behalf of the European Commission, DG Research and Innovation