Influence of commitment and resources on export entrepreneurship and its impact on the internationalization of SMEs: Cross-cultural analysis Costa Rica-Spain

Abstract

The internationalization of SMEs through export activities contributes to countries' economic growth. This research aims to determine the influence of commitment and resources on export entrepreneurship and its impact on the internationalization of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through a cross-cultural analysis of Costa Rica-Spain. The study was developed quantitatively based on a non-probabilistic sample of 64 exporting SMEs. Data were collected through a structured survey, and a structural equation model in Smart PLS 4 was used for the analysis. The results revealed that export commitment positively influences the exporting company's entrepreneurship level and the resources associated with the experience. The main differences were found in the structure associated with exports. The relationship between export entrepreneurship and business performance was positive in both countries. The study contributes to the knowledge about the internationalization process of SMEs. It provides information for managers and practitioners to guide their export strategies, as well as to direct the organization's resources to improve their export performance and offers recommendations for cross-cultural comparison studies.