Project Report On “Going Global: Overcoming the Challenges of SME Internationalization through Blockchain Technology”

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore how Blockchain Technology mediates the barriers encountered by SMEs in the internationalisation of their business operation. The paper attempts to illustrate a Blockchain-based supply chain to enhance the international operations of SMEs.This report is based on primary and secondary data. Primary data was collected through the survey of 21 Dhaka-based SMEs in Bangladesh. Descriptive statistics and correlation analysis methods have been used to analyze all the collected primary data. Secondary data mainly included reviewing prior literature. The findings of the study showed that SMEs experience barriers like slow payment, complex procedures, inability to meet product quality standards, lack of trust, and finance during internationalization. The report illustrates how specific Blockchain attributes mediate the aforementioned barriers. Finally, the report proposes a Blockchain-based framework to facilitate SME internationalization. The study has been conducted within a narrow time frame; thus, the number and variability of respondents are low to generalize the findings of the report.