| Abstract: | This second half of a series on small and medium-sized transnational corporations (TNCs) describes their main features in terms of such variables as the markets and industries in which they operate, ownership, forms of investment, performance and competitive advantages. It also deals with strategies that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) tend to take in their foreign operations.An appreciable share of small and medium-sized TNCs produces highly-specialized or niche products that give them relatively high market power in those market segments. Their principle source of advantages emanate from proprietary technology, flexible management, organization and market ability, reputation and supplier/customer relations. Small and medium-sized TNCs, unlike their larger counterparts, are more likely to enter developing countries through joint ventures and other collaborative arrangements with local firms. SMEs from some developed countries, mainly Europe, are particularly willing to enter joint ventures.Transnational Corporations Affairs Officer United Nations Conference on Trade and DevelopmentThe aurthor is grateful for advice and comments by Hafiz Mirza. This paper is based on the chapter IV of the UNCTAD Programme on Transnational Corporations,Small and Medium-sized Transnational Corporations: Role, Impact and Policy Implications, New York: United Nations publication, Sales no. E.93.II.A.15, 1993. |
