Barriers and public policies affecting the international expansion of Latin American SMEs: Evidence from Brazil, Colombia, and Peru

摘要: The paper aims to improve the understanding of determinants international expansion Latin American SMEs. To do this, it adopts an institution theory perspective study interaction between public policies and other drivers SMEs' in four main areas: access financial resources; procurement contracts; adverse regulatory inconsistent legal frameworks; assistance on information knowledge about markets. We collected data from 465 SMEs Brazil, Colombia, Peru analysed using multivariate regressions; findings have implications for theory, practice, policy making. results suggest that belonging larger institutions (like business groups) seem be a stronger position expand internationally. In addition, they show perceive difficulties/barriers their expansion, mainly dealing with domestic regulations economic environment, poor external Also, indicate having government as customer has proved facilitator firms All all, enrich debate impact institutions, particular policies, emerging transition economies by analysing role governments' strategies intended support questioning mid- long-term impact.