Technology orientation as a strategic driver of SME export performance: evidence from Sri Lanka

Abstract

The evolving global business landscape in the post-pandemic era has amplified the importance of technology-driven strategies for sustaining SME growth, particularly in export-oriented sectors. This study investigates how technology orientation (TO) directly shapes the export performance of SMEs in emerging markets, emphasising its role in fostering innovation, operational efficiency, and competitive positioning in an increasingly digitalised global economy. This research adopts a multidimensional perspective on technology orientation (TO), encompassing top management capability, technological capability, commitment to learning, and commitment to change, to provide a deeper understanding of its influence on firm performance. Using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM), data from 126 Sri Lankan export-oriented SMEs reveal that TO significantly enhances competitiveness by fostering adaptability, innovation, and strategic agility. These findings emphasise the need for SMEs to integrate TO as a core element of their long-term growth strategies. The study offers both theoretical insights and actionable recommendations for firms and policymakers seeking to strengthen SME resilience in uncertain market conditions.