SME Internationalization:
Lessons from Poland and the Czech Republic
For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), internationalization is one of the key factors of competitiveness. In Hungary, many SMEs still focus mainly on domestic markets, while in neighboring countries like Poland and the Czech Republic, businesses are far more active in expanding abroad. What’s their secret – and what can Hungarian SMEs learn?
The Polish Model: State Support & Export Orientation
Poland has long emphasized an export-driven economic policy. The government supports SMEs with:
- Export financing programs
- Market entry consulting and partner search
- Innovation subsidies
This allows Polish SMEs to take more risks abroad and scale faster.
The Czech Model: Clusters & Innovation
In the Czech Republic, one of the keys to SME success lies in industry clusters. These partnerships bring together businesses, research institutions, and government bodies to co-develop innovative projects. The result: lower costs, faster technological progress, and smoother entry into foreign markets.
Lessons for Hungarian SMEs
- Bolder export strategies – State incentives are important, but companies also need to take risks.
- Seek partnerships – Internationalization is challenging alone, but clusters and alliances make it easier.
- Focus on innovation – Competing abroad requires not only price but also quality and novelty.
Conclusion
The examples of Poland and the Czech Republic show that successful SME internationalization is not about size, but about strategy. Hungarian SMEs can also succeed if they embrace risk, collaboration, and innovation.