Samenvatting

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Firms that are internationally active are more competitive than firms that are only active in the domestic market. This research not provides insights into the international activities of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs , in Dutch ‘MKB’), in particular from the Utrecht Region in the Centre of Holland. The Utrecht Region is ranked the most competitive region in the European Union and therefore it is interesting to further analyse the internationalization of firms in this region.
Based on 20 interviews with owners, CEOs and managers we describe small business activities that are related to international activities. Not only do we focus on internationalization but also discuss firm performance, obstacles and problems to business operations, competition, innovation, management, and networks of small business around Utrecht