Cities share strategies to help SMEs reach global markets

Supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to expand internationally was the focus of an IURC Community of Practice 12 technical deep dive, where Espoo and Melbourne presented two successful but complementary approaches to helping local businesses access overseas markets. The session explored how cities can play an active role in reducing barriers to internationalisation while strengthening local innovation ecosystems.

Espoo showcased its market-funnel approach, designed to help deeptech startups identify priority international markets and connect with investors through cluster-based partnerships. By combining market intelligence, tailored webinars and business delegations, the city has rapidly supported companies in scaling beyond Finland. Melbourne highlighted its use of established trade networks and bilateral city partnerships, leveraging programmes such as TradeStart and Nexus to provide SMEs with international market access, expert guidance and commercial opportunities.

Although the two models differ in their implementation, both demonstrate the importance of targeted support, strategic partnerships and market-specific preparation. Participants learned how cities can maximise the impact of internationalisation programmes by working closely with businesses, leveraging existing institutional networks and providing practical pathways to overseas expansion. These experiences offer valuable insights for cities seeking to strengthen the global competitiveness of their local SMEs.

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