Mastering international business: lessons from industry on developing sustainable service exports

This research looked at service exporters recent experiences. It was found there were key differences and similarities between goods and service exports. Some of the key advantages of service exports over goods included their more effective ability to overcome geographic and economic trade barriers. Service exports were also found to be not as price sensitive as exporting goods. Their often unique solutions became a marketing tool to promote themselves to other potential clients. There were many challenges identified that service exporters continue to face. These include measuring their value to the economy, gaining access to finance, the high cost both in terms of time and labour in developing one off solutions, protection of intellectual property, plus attracting and keeping key staff to deliver their services. These challenges will need further attention from government, industry advisors, plus those organisations servicing service exporters.