LEARNING FROM THE WIGGLES

The University of Queensland Business School's Peter Liesch, Jay Weerawardena, and Stuart Middleton, will work with Matthew Steen from the Australian Business Foundation to investigate the post-entry market development activities of early and rapidly internationalising Australian firms.

Professor Liesch said although born globals - firms that go international early and rapidly, sometimes without launching in the domestic market - were becoming better understood, little was known about what happened next.

The project has selected firms from each of four states (New South Wales, South Australia, Queensland, and Victoria). They include global brand The Wiggles, readily-recognised biotechnology firms, engineering manufacturing firms, and service firms.

He said, "We don't know how these firms build a strong presence in international markets to support further growth."

"This can include going as far as to establish a manufacturing plant, setting up an office to manage capital-raising, or simply employing an agent."

"Our research will also examine the value to Australia of these activities in terms of dollars, intellectual property benefits, and expertise and capacity building."

The results of the research will be published by the Australian Business Foundation later in 2007.