Determinants of Export Performance in Bac Ninh's Enterprises Amid Economic Integration

Abstract

This study investigates the determinants of export performance among enterprises in Bac Ninh province, Vietnam, a major industrial hub experiencing rapid economic integration. Globalization and Vietnam's participation in free trade agreements present both opportunities and challenges for these firms. While the impact of economic integration on Vietnam's overall export growth is well-documented, there is a need for research focusing on specific firm-level factors driving export success within particular regions. This research aims to identify the key determinants of export performance among Bac Ninh enterprises, considering the context of economic integration. Specifically, it examines the impact of firm size, access to finance, technology adoption, market diversification, and human resource capabilities on export performance. A quantitative, cross-sectional research design was employed, utilizing data collected through a self-administered questionnaire from a stratified random sample of 400 exporting enterprises in Bac Ninh. Stratification was based on industry sector. The questionnaire included established scales to measure the independent and dependent variables. Data were analyzed using reliability analysis Cronbach's Alpha, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) multiple regression analysis in SPSS. The OLS regression model was statistically significant and explained a substantial proportion of the variance in export performance. Technology adoption had the strongest positive effect, followed by access to finance, human resource capabilities, and market diversification. Firm size also had a statistically significant, albeit small, positive effect. All multi-item scales demonstrated acceptable reliability. The findings highlight the crucial role of technology adoption, access to finance, human resource capabilities, and market diversification in driving export performance. While firm size showed a statistically significant positive association with export performance, its effect was considerably smaller than the other key determinants, suggesting that strategic investments in technology, finance, and human capital are particularly critical for export success. These findings have implications for policymakers and managers seeking to enhance enterprise competitiveness in Bac Ninh and similar regions. Future research should consider longitudinal designs and explore potential non-linear relationships and moderating factors.

Keywords: Export Performance, Vietnam, SMEs, Technology Adoption, Access to Finance, Economic Integration.