Gender Perspectives on SME International Trade and Revenue in the Digital Era: Evidence from Serbia

Abstract

International trade drives expansion and development, significantly contributing to national productivity and job creation. The aim of this research is to investigate four groups of factors that act as independent variables and their impact on the export performance of SMEs as the dependent variable. This study examines critical elements shaping the global trade success of small businesses and medium-sized enterprises, with export revenue as the dependent variable. A sample of 342 Serbian enterprises, primarily exporters, was surveyed through an online questionnaire conducted at the end of 2024, in collaboration with the Serbian Association of Employers. The survey targeted business owners and managers, who provided their assessments using a Likert scale on 12 statements related to four predefined research variables, focusing on factors influencing SME export propensity, with a particular emphasis on gender. The findings, with contingency table analysis, indicate that internal factors, such as the implementation of new technologies and organizational adaptability, exert the greatest influence on export performance, along with all external factors examined. Additionally, company size was found to have a significant impact on export revenue. Regarding gender, the study assessed the role of female-owned SMEs and found that they are less likely to engage in export activities. The results align with existing academic literature, suggesting that female-owned SMEs face systemic disadvantages due to smaller firm size, limited managerial capacity, resource constraints, and insufficient market knowledge. Consequently, gender was not identified as a significant direct determinant of SME export performance and revenue. These research findings contribute to the literature on SME internationalization, digitalization, organizational change, gender issues, and women's entrepreneurship. Furthermore, they offer valuable insights for feminist economic studies and policy discussions aimed at supporting female entrepreneurs.