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2.3. Global strategies and targeted policies
As illustrated in Chapter 1, SME internationalisation is a multi-dimensional phenomenon, and export
itself is often related to or enhanced by other forms of international linkages. Accordingly, policy
measures to enhance the internationalisation of firms tend to cover a broad range of activities and areas.
In this regard, a distinction can be made between the formulation of a broad strategy for firms’
internationalisation, often linked to encompassing growth and development national plans, and the
definition of strategies for specific markets.
Under the first category, the strategy announced by Canada in 2009 is an example of a comprehensive
approach towards business internationalisation, which includes also attracting foreign investments and
linking local firms with global knowledge networks (Box 2.1).
Under the second category are policies that recognise that external barriers to SME export may differ
significantly by area or country. For instance, new foreign markets, especially those of emerging markets,
are perceived by SMEs and policy makers to have higher barriers than traditional markets, in terms of
lack of transparency of laws and regulations, inadequate property rights protection, and complex
procedures (OECD, 2013). Therefore, there is a rationale for governments to formulate a specific strategy
of entry for some key target market. In recent years, this has been the case for high-growth markets, such
as BRICS, identified by many governments as an important source of growth and as key to future
positioning in the global competition. This is the intention, for instance, of New Zealand’s
internationalisation strategy and its targeted actions for different markets. In the case of China, a specific
strategy has been devised (“Opening doors to China: New Zealand’s 2015 Vision”), which moves from an
assessment of strengths and weaknesses in New Zealand’s current approach to the Chinese market, to
define goals and priority actions.
Box 2.1. “Seizing Global Advantage. A Global Commerce Strategy for Securing Canada's
Growth and Prosperity”
In 2009, the Government of Canada announced its strategy to seize foreign markets as part of a
commitment to building a stronger, more competitive Canadian economy that will thrive in the years
ahead.
Under the Global Commerce Strategy, the federal government works towards:
 Securing favourable terms of access to the markets, investment and innovation
opportunities where Canadian commercial interests are greatest.
 Attracting global investment and innovation to Canada and facilitating Canadian
commercial engagement abroad.
 Expanding Canada’s international commercial network to ensure Canadian companies
have the support they need to capitalize on opportunities across the entire spectrum of
modern business.
Through its Global Commerce Strategy, Canada’s Government is taking action to:
o Boost Canadian commercial engagement in global value chains;
o Secure competitive terms of access to global markets and networks for Canadian
businesses;
o Increase foreign direct investment in Canada and Canadian direct investment around the
world; and
o Forge stronger linkages between Canada’s science and technology community and global
innovation networks.
Source: OECD (2013).