The role of ecosystem collaborations in the internationalisation of SMEs: empirical evidence from Finland

Abstract

This research examines the interactions among different actors in the knowledge ecosystem and their roles in enabling internationalisation of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Through a qualitative research and empirical data collected from different actors of the ecosystem, our results differentiated the SMEs' collaboration with core value chain actors and intermediary organisations and their varying roles, i.e., weaker in core value chain and dynamic supporting roles of intermediaries in SMEs' internationalisation. Ecosystem collaboration of SMEs with their customer and competitors, although, supported in expanding their businesses to international markets, their scope remained limited due to the project specificity. While, we found a dual role of intermediaries in the ecosystem, supporting SMEs in developing knowledge through their services and function as a bridge enabler between partners and competitors to ensure a connection with international networks. This helps SMEs to find their new markets and customers through potential collaborations with other firms.