Food Export Path: A Process-oriented way of understanding a complex network of services and actors
About this good practice
The Food Export Path is an innovative tool designed to help large companies, SMES and micro companies identify the most suitable public services in a timely manner while clarifying the roles and offerings of different public actors throughout the various stages of internationalization.
Rather than following a strict chronological approach, the model is flexible and can be tailored to align with a company's specific needs and strategic goals. To provide a clearer understanding of the internationalization process, the Path identifies three key phases:
1. Enablement
2. Strategic Planning
3. Operational Planning
The Food Export Path is structured around these phases, offering companies a practical framework to navigate the complexities of preparing for international trade. However, it is essential to note that the real export work begins after the final phase of the Path. This tool focuses exclusively on the preparatory stages leading up to operational export activities, ensuring companies are well-positioned for success on the global market.
Same approach can be used for any process, where company (or other actor) needs support and services to go through complex process with numerous stakeholders.
Resources needed
Maintaining the information requires regular updates and takes 1-2 working days twice a year. In addition, there needs to be readiness for ad hoc updates.
The tool requires also promotion. During the running period, it was part of the wider toolbox of Food From Finland program.
Evidence of success
The Export Path description has gained good feedback both from food companies and the stakeholders.
During the lifetime of Food from Finland program, Finnish food export grew to 2,3 billion euros, which means 70 % growth since 2014. Around 200 companies benefited from programs actions.
Potential for learning or transfer
This model approach can be adapted to other topics than SME internationalisation, The model can be used to describe many kind of processes where actors need support from various stakeholders and it’s not always clear who is responsible for which service.
The tool is primarily applied by support organisations, which are responsible for guiding SMEs through export process.
Despite the previous, SMEs actively engage by applying the guidance provided, developing their export capabilities and implementing strategies in their operations.
Further information
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