Leveraging network competence and market knowledge for export resilience: A resource-based perspective on Indonesian SMEs in global markets

Abstract

This study investigates how Indonesian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can develop export resilience through strategic resource orchestration in dynamic global markets. Drawing on resource-based view (RBV) theory, we examine the differential impacts of network competence and market knowledge capability on export performance while testing competitive aggressiveness as a potential boundary condition. Data collected from 174 Indonesian exporting SMEs were analyzed using PLS-SEM. Results reveal that both network competence (β = 0.311, p < 0.05) and market knowledge capability (β = 0.514, p < 0.05) significantly enhance export performance, with market knowledge exerting a substantially stronger influence. Contrary to expectations, competitive aggressiveness did not moderate these relationships, suggesting Indonesian SMEs benefit more from collaborative approaches than aggressive competition. The model explains 54.9% of the variance in export performance, offering strong predictive validity. Our findings contribute to international entrepreneurship literature by delineating the specific resource configurations that enable SMEs from emerging economies to overcome inherent resource constraints and build export resilience. For policymakers, this study highlights the need for targeted interventions that enhance Indonesian SMEs' knowledge acquisition capabilities and network development skills rather than promoting competitive aggressiveness. For practitioners, we provide empirical evidence that investment in market knowledge and relationship-building yields substantial returns in international markets.