A study on the effects of KOSGEB overseas fair supports on internationalization process of SMEs

As a result of globalization, which has advanced in a fast manner since 1980s, the internationalization process has become easier for enterprises. Supports are provided by many public institutions and organizations in order to solve problems encountered during the internationalization process of SMEs, which are prominent in adaptation to the dynamics of globalization through their flexible structures. In this study, an analysis is performed on the impact of overseas fair support provided by KOSGEB (Small and Medium Enterprises Development Organization) for overseas fair participation, which proves to be one of the most important tools of SMEs in the internationalization process in the event that it is put into practice in an appropriate manner. As a result of the survey performed in line with the research activities, it was observed that SMEs, which were provided with KOSGEB?s overseas fair support in 2006, had high satisfaction levels in relation to participation in international fairs within a period of three years and that the aim of all these enterprises with regard to participation in overseas fairs was to start or increase their exports. A comparative analysis was carried out in relation to the export data (for a period of three years) of the enterprises, which made use of KOSGEB overseas fair support, by using the method of difference between the above-stated data and the data obtained from the enterprises within the control group and it was realized that the overseas fair support only increased the export figures within the year in which the enterprises participated in the fairs. Impact of the support for participation of SMEs in overseas fairs could be increased through provision of SMEs with the necessary information and selection of appropriate SMEs for support.Keywords1. SME2. Internationalization3. Government supports4. Fairs5. Impact analysis