THE COMPETITIVENESS DEVELOPMENT MODEL OF MANUFACTURING FIRMS IN ENTREPRENEURIAL EXPORTS

The present study is one of the few carried out to test a model for developing the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from the dynamic capabilities perspective and considering international entrepreneurship, especially in the food industry. The existing research using the dynamic capabilities perspective has focused more on multinational corporations and has been undertaken in developed countries. Therefore, the context of our study, SMEs in Iran, is new. In addition, in this study we quantitatively assess the competitiveness development model of manufacturing firms in entrepreneurial exports achieved via qualitative research based on grounded theory. The statistical population was composed of SMEs in food industries. The sampling was conducted using a judgmental purposive approach. Responses to the questionnaires sent out provided a statistical sample of 210 subjects, of which 193 questionnaires were diagnosed as qualified for analysis. Following initial analysis, a structural equations model was implemented using the software Smart PLS. The results indicate that five out of seven aspects of identifying and seizing opportunity capability are effective on configuration capability, while the macro environment adversely affects it. Nevertheless, the micro environment plays a moderating role between the two variables. Moreover, configuration capability is effective on entrepreneurial exports, while governments can build the required infrastructure for entrepreneurial export development based on four aspects. Finally, entrepreneurial exports were proven to impact firms’ competitiveness. The paper suggests how SMEs can develop their competitiveness with dynamic capabilities and which capabilities can help them in this regard