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Strategies for small and medium-sized enterprises to compete successfully on the world market: Cases of Swedish hidden champions

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Abstract

This research focuses on identifying the abilities and strategies of ‘hidden champions’ in Sweden that allow them to successfully compete in the world market. The results from this exploratory multiple-case study indicate that the long-term success of such companies is rooted in a focused strategy with soft diversification, continuous innovation through close relationships with customers and employees, and providing superior quality and customised services compared with competitors. Our research demonstrates that hidden champions are unafraid of low-price competitors from emerging economies and succeed through excellent innovation governance. They offer many lessons for other companies on how to govern innovation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. procise GmbH, 60314 Frankfurt, Hanauer Landstraße 291A, Germany

    Fateh-Ud Din

  2. Molde University College, PO Box 2110, 6402, Molde, Norway

    Harald Dolles

  3. School of Business, Economics and Law, Centre for International Business Studies, University of Gothenburg, PO Box 610, Göteborg, 40530, Sweden

    Harald Dolles

  4. School of Business, Economics and Law, Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, University of Gothenburg, Sweden

    Rick Middel

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  1. Fateh-Ud Din
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  2. Harald Dolles
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  3. Rick Middel
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Correspondence to Harald Dolles.

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Din, FU., Dolles, H. & Middel, R. Strategies for small and medium-sized enterprises to compete successfully on the world market: Cases of Swedish hidden champions. Asian Bus Manage 12, 591–612 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1057/abm.2013.19

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