Technology, innovation capacity, and the export attitude of small manufacturing firms: a logit/tobit model

This study proposes a predictive model of the export attitude of small manufacturing firms. On the basis of an empirical investigation carried out on a sample of small units, exporters and non-exporters are compared in terms of technology and ability to innovate, besides a number of other structural factors. Using as predictors some of the more discriminating factors, a logistic regression model is then verified. The study shows that the propensity of small units to export is strictly linked to their ability to innovate the product and develop valid inter-organisational relations, while it is less related to the technological profile manufacturing, quality control, management, design, communication, handling, storage technologies.