Profiling the capabilities of SMEs to compete internationally

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to detail the rationale for, and development of, the Export Marketing Profiling System; a methodology for profiling and benchmarking the capabilities of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to compete internationally. Design/methodology/approach – It is the outcome of four years of research, incorporating quantitative, qualitative and longitudinal studies into the international activities of SMEs. Findings – The findings of this research are utilised in the development of a system that recognises key themes and distils them into the specific characteristics, competencies, capabilities and activities that contribute to successful performance in international markets.