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The difference between exporter and non-exporter knowledge-based firms: the case of Iranian firms in the chemical industry

Mitra Samadi (The Research Institute for Science, Technology, and Industrial Policy, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran)
Seyed Reza Mirnezami (The Research Institute for Science, Technology, and Industrial Policy, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran)
Mohammad Sadegh Khayyatian (Institute for Science and Technology Studies, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran)
Mohammad Torabi Khargh (School of Management, Tehran University, Tehran, Iran)

Review of International Business and Strategy

ISSN: 2059-6014

Article publication date: 13 December 2022

Issue publication date: 7 November 2023

111

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to compare the level of organizational capabilities of the exporter and non-exporter Iranian knowledge-based firms in the sector of chemical technology.

Design/methodology/approach

By combining 18 different indicators, a framework is designed to demonstrate organizational capabilities. The technological, manufacturing, R&D, marketing, organizing and financial capabilities of 732 Iranian knowledge-based firms in the sector of chemical technology (90 exporters and 642 non-exporter firms) are identified between 2015 and 2020. The analysis is based on the Chi-square test and logistic and probit regression.

Findings

The results indicate that technological capability, unlike the other five capabilities, is higher in non-exporter firms, and the level of marketing capability is greater in exporter firms, with the highest difference between the two groups.

Originality/value

The research suggests that knowledge-based firms should be evaluated based on export history; there should be some specialized export facilitating packages for both exporter and non-exporter firms; and some baskets from products with related and specialized fields of application should be formed to facilitate international marketing. The results can be a basis for managers and policymakers to improve the firm’s capabilities and competitiveness at the international level.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

Funding: Iran Science and Technology Vice-Presidency 3274.

Citation

Samadi, M., Mirnezami, S.R., Khayyatian, M.S. and Torabi Khargh, M. (2023), "The difference between exporter and non-exporter knowledge-based firms: the case of Iranian firms in the chemical industry", Review of International Business and Strategy, Vol. 33 No. 5, pp. 830-854. https://doi.org/10.1108/RIBS-03-2022-0034

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited

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