Seven out of 10 firms that sold goods and services overseas reported that quality was a key factor that helped their
business compete in those markets, Stats NZ said today.
“According to exporting businesses, experienced managerial staff and a valuable brand were also important factors for
competing overseas,” business performance manager Geraldine Duoba said.
“These three factors – quality, management, and brand – are important regardless of the size of the firm, but are most
prominent for big firms, employing more than 100 staff.”
Innovation also plays an important role in creating a competitive advantage – two out of three exporters were
innovators, coming up with new or better goods and services, operational and organisational processes, or marketing
methods.
“Exporters are more likely to innovate as this allows them to compete and increase their export value,” Ms Duoba said.
Almost one-in-five New Zealand firms exported goods and services in 2019, about the same as in 2015, the last time
information on international engagement was collected. Most of these businesses sold manufactured or finished goods and
services. Other exports may be in the form of raw or unprocessed materials or technology.
The business operations survey reports on businesses with six or more employees.
The 2019 survey included questions on business operations, innovation, and international engagement. Businesses are
surveyed on innovation every two years, and about international engagement on a less frequent basis.