In Sweden, these companies represent 10 percent of total exports. Some of this volume is subcontracting operations for larger export agencies. There is a hidden export potential in this segment of small and medium sized companies. This would benefit the companies as well as Sweden as a whole in terms of increased employment and larger export revenues.
In my job, I often meet successful companies with competitive products and services. They are considering an expansion abroad but in the end, they choose not to. Very often the reason is insufficient knowledge, resources, lack of local contacts in exports, credit insecurity, extra work with translations and much more.
These services are available today. EKN, the Export Council, credit insurance companies, Profina and various consultants will, for a fee, provide services to promote export. Should we do more to encourage these companies to expand abroad? Should society subsidise this? Do we want to do more?
Small and medium sized companies in Europe have their own organisation in Brussels. UEAPME is working on promoting terms in general. However, substantial measures have to be taken for the individual company at no cost or obligation to the company. That is an important tool for positive long term effects in the labour market policy. There is a hidden export potential in Sweden. Cross border trade is constantly increasing and if all kinds of companies participate, there is a lot to gain.