Together We E-Export

Abstract

This study examined the horizontal collaboration of small and medium companies (SMEs) in export food supply chains facilitated by the use of electronic business tools. A multi-case study of three best-practice Austrian food SMEs examined the practices of horizontal collaboration in global supply chain management. Then, a survey of Austrian food SMEs assessed the horizontal collaboration facilitators and inhibitors. Findings demonstrate that e-business tools foster the creation of virtual alliances and help SMEs to increase export sales to new and/or niche foreign markets. SMEs have limited resources to overcome obstacles like cost restrictions to use advanced yet expensive e-business tools, managing food safety risks in global supply chains, and meet legal requirements of international trade.