Determinants of structured export knowledge acquisition

Knowledge acquisition and utilization in firms is central to their long-term success. In particular, knowledge acquisition by firms through education has been shown to have a positive impact on productivity and performance. This study focuses on the interest of exporting firms in acquiring exporting know-how and market information through formal, structured export education programs. The results indicate that the export development stage is positively related to interest in formal, structured export education programs and firms with greater commitment to exporting demonstrate a greater interest in this form of export education. Furthermore, interest in structured export education programs is widespread and unrelated to firm size or the education levels of exporting personnel. In general, program content need is shown to be broad, but larger firms and those with a better-educated export-related staff tend to place significantly more emphasis on strategic contents. Finally, a significant relationship between interest in structured export knowledge acquisition and export performance is observed.

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