Internacionalização de pequenas e médias empresas do setor laneiro: um estudo multicasos em Santana do Livramento

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to analyze an internationalization of small and medium sized wool exporter enterprises (SMEs) from Santana do Livramento (RS). It is specifically sought to outline the profile of the wool exporter enterprises from the city, to identify the actors that cooperate to the internationalization of these organizations and to verify the main advantages and disadvantages of acting abroad. It is about a descriptive-exploratory research, with a qualitative approach. The method employed was the study of multiple cases. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews and non-participant observation, which are confronted with the main studies about the thematic. In general, the results show that the SMEs of the wool sector from the city are internationalized through the direct export. Organizations have, in average, 19 years of market, they are small, and medium sized. About partners in this process of internationalization, the Uruguayan enterprises and the small and medium sized rural producers stand out. Regarding to the advantages, the internationalization is crucial to their survival, given that the enterprises export by necessity, since internal market does not offer enough demand for their maintenance. Besides, enterprises do not face excessive bureaucracy, as the export process is agile. However, the exported product is low added value due to the high Brazil Cost, which hinders the wool processing in the internal Market.