A theoretical model for the study of R&D investment and barriers to export activity of co-operatives under different levels of environmental turbulence

TOPIC 9 - STAGE 4 - MICRO This paper presents a theoretical model for the study of specific issues related to the internationalization process of co-operatives as a way to implement growth strategies. Therefore, the main... [ view full abstract ]

TOPIC 9 - STAGE 4 - MICRO

This paper presents a theoretical model for the study of specific issues related to the internationalization process of co-operatives as a way to implement growth strategies. Therefore, the main topic of the analysis proposed is related to strategies (internationalization), which is also located at the micro level (co-operative level), and at the stage of growth and transition of the co-operative development process. More specifically, although co-operatives have gradually increased their export activity over the last decades, the current economic environment is altering their perceptions about markets and the export barriers they face, which may therefore affect their export intensity and growth. Perceptions usually vary from company to company, what leads to believe that specific factors could moderate the relationships between these perceptions and export outcomes. In this regard, this study theoretically proposes to explore the moderating effect of R&D investment in the export barriers-export intensity relationship and whether co-operatives reduce their R&D investment when perceive high international environmental turbulence. The contributions emerging from this study can be useful to understand the synergies that can positively stimulate export activity of co-operatives.