New Technologies and Export Performance of SMEs

Abstract

The policies adopted by developing countries in relation to international trade have always played a crucial role in their social and industrial development. In recent years, a number of developing countries have been able to strengthen their comparative advantage by focusing on building technological capability, on new technology adoption and on the development of skills to use these new technologies effectively and efficiently (Noland, 1997). Several studies (Trefler, 1993, 1995; Moreno, 1997) have demonstrated the importance of technological differences in international trade. Moreno (1997) found that technology had a significant effect on the evolution of Spanish industrial exports. The study suggests that non-price factors, such as product quality and product differentiation, exert a significant influence on international competitiveness.