Rapid Evidence Review No. 2: What is the evidence for the effectiveness of export promotion through the capacity development of business support organizations (BSOs) in middle-income countries (MICs) in improving export outcomes?

• Research unit: SECO
• Project number: 2025-WEQA-RER2

Short description (English)

Capacity development of Business Support Organizations (BSOs) is widely used to promote exports in middle-income countries by helping firms - especially SMEs - improve skills, market access, networks, and competitiveness. Evidence suggests that well-designed BSO support can strengthen export performance, although its direct impact is difficult to isolate from broader export promotion programs. Research highlights positive effects on firm capabilities and export growth, but significant gaps remain regarding long-term outcomes, effectiveness across different contexts, and impacts on smaller or less experienced exporters. Overall, BSO support appears most effective when tailored to local conditions and aligned with firms’ needs.

Related documents

• Rapid Evidence Review No. 2: What is the evidence for the effectiveness of export promotion through the capacity development of BSOs in MICs in improving export outcomes? [PDF] 1'043 kB

Legal basis for the evaluation (English)

Bundesgesetz über die internationale Entwicklungszusammenarbeit und humanitäre Hilfe (Art. 9)