Walkshoes and Ivory Trade: Two Export Networks in Portugal

This paper reports research on two export networks, Walkshoes and Ivory Trade , that were financially supported by the Portuguese Business Network Program. This paper attempts to describe the use of export networks as a viable internationalization strategy for Portuguese SMEs, and to identify the principal factors that influenced the establishment and development of those export networks. The research involved a qualitative study of the two export networks. Presently only Walkshoes is operating in its target market (Poland), the other network is not developing any activities due the political instability in Ivory Coast. It was found that a strong market goal among the participating firms– the agreement about the target market, common market objectives and the long-term perspectives of the investment played a very important, positive role in the establishment and the functioning of the export network. It was also found that grouping issues had a significant impact on the outcomes: (1) Group size; (2) Composition of the group, financial situation of the participating firms and owners’ involvement; (3) Prior knowledge among the member firms and (4) the Broker’s role.