Going Global

The reasons for U.S. companies' international expansion have changed, shifting them from cost-reduction strategies to ones seeking top-line growth. EE Times' Going Global Special Report explores how many small and medium-sized electronics companies are falling short on the international front. The online Going Global Special Report includes links to a qualitative report prepared by KWR International Inc., plus an interview with the report's author, links to KWR International survey data, and more. I hope you find it both informative and useful.

David Roman
Special Reports Editor

Full Report (PDF - 237 KB)
"From Supply to Demand: Moving Toward a New International Business Development Paradigm" by KWR International Inc.

Interview with Keith W. Rabin
KWR International Inc. president Keith W. Rabin, author of "From Supply to Demand," speaks with EE Times' Research Editor Nicolas Mokhoff about international business expansion.

Inside the survey

1. Is expansion critical?
2. How important a priority?
3. Pleased with results?
4. Expansion motivators
5. Expansion options
6. Facilities of interest
7. What makes expansion succeed?
8. Expansion plans described
9. Positive/Negative factors
10. Obstacles assessed
11. Important expansion considerations
12. Optimizing international operations
13. Optimizing services
14. Asian nations' potential rated
15. Five economies rated
16. Rating other regions
17. View of outsourcing

Stories from print

Markets replace cost-cutting as globalization driver
By Nicolas Mokhoff
Despite globalization's business-altering import, managers at small and midsize U.S. electronics companies are ill-equipped to exploit it, tending to be fearful, cheap and misguided in their efforts.

Sometimes the best site is off the beaten path
By Junko Yoshida
Which foreign countries offer the best investment opportunities for an electronics company? Our feature lists the "sure things," the "good bets" and the "sleepers."

Smaller businesses get a helping hand
By David Roman
Numerous industry groups, trade associations, U.S. government agencies and foreign development offices are ready to help small and medium-size companies take their first steps into international markets.