The Role of Innovation and Public Support in SMEs Exports: The Portuguese Case

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) constitute more than 99,9% of the Portuguese business with about 1.358M SMEs in Portugal and it is undeniable their structural role in the Portuguese economy. This dissertation aims to provide new insights on the role of innovation and public support in SMEs exports. Thus, a research model was drawn and tested to explain export performance through innovation and public support. Data was collected from Portuguese industrial SMEs which are currently active and overcame the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. This study came to the conclusion that innovation, more especially innovation in processes and products, and innovation capabilities, do not affect export performance. Nevertheless, the amount of activity years helps explain export performance. It was concluded that public support is significant for firms' involvement in international trade exhibits, demonstrating the significance of this support service for internationalization and for businesses aiming to start expanding their operations globally.