Export performance in four ASEAN countries: The role of international quality certification, information and communication technology capability, and innovation

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to examine empirically the relationship between international quality certification, and information and communication technology (ICT) capability with the firm's export performance by considering the variables of the firm's innovation as a mediator. The data used in this research is derived from the Enterprise Survey from the World Bank involving total more than 4000 firms' respondents from four countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) including Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Vietnam. Analyzed using the Partial Least Square (PLS) technique, the findings show that both international quality certification and ICT capabilities, mediated by innovation, has a significant effect to export performance. The study's findings can help managers and policymakers in developing economies, particularly in ASEAN, improve their firms' export performance.