Cluster-based SMEs development strategies for globalization in selected Asian countries

This article is based on an ongoing research and aims to investigate the significance of cluster-based approaches to prepare small and medium enterprises (SMEs) for globalization. Hopefully, this would enlighten policy makers, theorists and practitioners in developing policies, initiatives and strategies that reflect directions to support SMEs in managing global forces. Cluster-based SMEs potentially may facilitate the effective participation of SMEs in productivity growth and global distribution networks. Many developing nations in Asia are still in eclipse when discussing this issue. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationships of networks and clusters capability on SMEs readiness becoming global business players. The scope of this study is selected developing nations in Asia. Although studies of SMEs clusters have brought attention in well-developed nations, similar empirical work has not been widely researched in Asian territories despite the region is well-known to practice collectivism. In the final analysis, this study aims to develop a model focusing on the globalization of cluster-based industrial SMEs

Keywords:

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) , clusters , networks , globalization , competitiveness