Swiss International Entrepreneurship Survey (SIES) 2010
Project Manager: Prof. Dr. Rico J. Baldegger
Team: Patrick Schueffel, Cristina Lendvai, Verena Huber
Contact: cristina.lendvai@hefr.ch
Support: Google, Credit Suisse, Dun & Bradstreet
Switzerland is well known for its big, successful multinational groups. Therefore, SMEs are often perceived by the public as playing only a secondary role - despite the fact that more than 99% of firms in Switzerland are SMEs and that they account for around 70% of all jobs. A study by the School of Business Administration Fribourg, led by Professor Rico Baldegger, is to examine how Swiss SMEs can be supported in their internationalization activities. This is the second such study since 2007. Key elements here include the selected internationalization strategies, the reasons and preconditions for internationalization, the obstacles encountered and support required when venturing abroad and general success criteria. The results of the study will have a considerable influence on the political, business and scientific communities, as was the case in 2007. The information is very useful for all parties involved: (1) Entrepreneurs and managers of SMEs are better placed to prepare for the challenges of internationalization and receive advance information about the potential benefits and the impact that internationalization has on elements such as innovation and know-how. (2) In the political arena, the study provides feedback for bodies involved in promoting internationalization at the federal and cantonal levels, and constitutes a basis for creating export-friendly operating conditions. (3) In research, the study's contribution is reflected primarily in the model to be tested and in an innovative contribution to the debate currently dividing those companies that are gradually moving towards internationalization from those seen as "born globals" and "international new ventures."
The study has just been launched. According to our planning, the results will be published in the month of October.