Export status and SME productivity: Learning-to-export versus learning-by-exporting

• We link the strategic exporting choices of UK SMEs to productivity and innovation. distinguish non exporters into export capable domestically focused SMEs. identify that learning-to-export learning-by-exporting effects co-exist. Innovation affects both move exporting, lead up capability. examine (pre-) micro, small medium enterprises (SMEs) their links productivity. This involves considering not only non-exporters, but also an intermediate category export-capable firms. Such categorisations help learning occurring in pre- post-export phases. Indeed, we find evidence among SMEs, firms consciously select status based on current performance. plays a key role, its effect does occur exclusively transition building Product process innovation have different capability respectively. The product is negative at least short-term. Growth ambition planned future are determinants exporting.