Publication: Logic model-based performance management systems for export promotion agencies
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European Commission. Open Research Europe
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Abstract
Background
Export Promotion Agencies (EPAs) play a crucial role in facilitating the internationalization of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), contributing significantly to economic growth. The complexity of their operations, diversity of services provided, and challenges in attributing outcomes complicate the effective implementation of Performance Management Systems (PMSs).
Method
This study investigates how the Logic Model framework can be utilized as a strategic, structured, and flexible tool to design and implement PMSs tailored to the unique operational needs of EPAs. A qualitative, exploratory multiple-case study approach was applied, involving various types of EPAs within Spain—including provincial, regional, national, and a regional EPA belonging to a European network.
Results
The research identifies significant variability in PMS sophistication and logic model adoption across agencies. The Logic Model, emphasizing causal linkages between inputs, activities, outputs, and outcomes, offers EPAs a coherent framework to enhance transparency, accountability, and strategic learning. An extended illustrative case of a European-networked regional EPA highlights best practices in integrating structured client journeys, performance monitoring, and dynamic feedback mechanisms into service delivery.
Conclusion
This research proposes a comprehensive methodology for implementing Logic Model-based PMSs within EPAs, emphasizing stakeholder participation, flexible indicators, systematic service quality evaluation, and continuous adaptive management. By addressing the identified gaps in performance management practices within EPAs, the study contributes to both academic literature and practical guidelines, ultimately supporting the international competitiveness of SMEs and economic development objectives.
Plain language summary
Export Promotion Agencies (EPAs) support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in expanding to international markets, which contributes to economic growth. However, evaluating the effectiveness of their diverse services can be challenging. This study examines how the Logic Model -a graphic illustration of the relationship between a program's resources, activities, and its intended- effects- can serve as a useful tool to help EPAs design and manage their activities more clearly and effectively. Based on case studies of several EPAs in Spain, the research finds that using the Logic Model improves the ability to plan, monitor, and demonstrate results. It helps agencies better connect their resources, services, and intended outcomes, leading to greater transparency and continuous improvement. A detailed example of a successful EPA shows how this approach can enhance support for SMEs and improve overall agency performance.
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European Union’s COSME programme under grant agreement Nos: 737728, 831357, 879803 and 101052713.
Consejería de Universidad, Investigación e Innovación of the Junta de Andalucía, within the research project SUBV. ProyExcel_00353 Call 2021 (ERDF funding)
Consejería de Universidad, Investigación e Innovación of the Junta de Andalucía, within the research project SUBV. ProyExcel_00353 Call 2021 (ERDF funding)
Description
Open Research Europe does not and will not ask to have an Impact Factor. The European Commission is part of an increasing number of funding agencies, institutions and organizations who are keen to support a broader view of a researcher’s output – and that it is the intrinsic value of what is published, shared and re-used, that is important as opposed to the venue, journal or platform where an article is published.
Open Research Europe supports the responsible use of research-related metrics and its application to research assessment – following, among other, the Leiden Manifesto and the DORA Declaration. Each article published on Open Research Europe includes an article level metrics page demonstrating the individual article’s reach, interest and ‘quality’. It also includes traditional indicators (such as article citation data) alongside more qualitative indicators such as views, downloads, social media and wider engagement.
El artículo constituye una contribución sólida al análisis de cómo las agencias de promoción de exportaciones pueden diseñar sistemas de gestión del desempeño más coherentes, transparentes y orientados al aprendizaje mediante el uso del Logic Model. En consonancia con los principios de DORA y COARA, su valoración se fundamenta en la calidad del razonamiento teórico, la claridad metodológica y la relevancia práctica, evitando depender de métricas de impacto o criterios bibliométricos. El estudio adopta un diseño cualitativo de casos múltiples que permite comprender en profundidad la heterogeneidad organizativa de las agencias españolas y las tensiones derivadas de operar en entornos institucionales complejos. La investigación demuestra rigor al articular cómo los vínculos causales entre recursos, actividades, productos y resultados pueden estructurar PMS más adaptativos, capaces de equilibrar exigencias de rendición de cuentas con necesidades internas de aprendizaje estratégico. Asimismo, identifica riesgos como la fragmentación de indicadores, la presión por el cumplimiento formal y la posibilidad de desacoplamiento entre medición y gestión. Su aportación reside en proponer una metodología integral para implementar PMS basados en el Logic Model, destacando la participación de actores, la flexibilidad de indicadores y la incorporación de mecanismos de retroalimentación continua, con implicaciones directas para la mejora de políticas públicas y la competitividad de las pymes.
Open Research Europe does not and will not ask to have an Impact Factor. The European Commission is part of an increasing number of funding agencies, institutions and organizations who are keen to support a broader view of a researcher’s output – and that it is the intrinsic value of what is published, shared and re-used, that is important as opposed to the venue, journal or platform where an article is published.
Open Research Europe supports the responsible use of research-related metrics and its application to research assessment – following, among other, the Leiden Manifesto and the DORA Declaration. Each article published on Open Research Europe includes an article level metrics page demonstrating the individual article’s reach, interest and ‘quality’. It also includes traditional indicators (such as article citation data) alongside more qualitative indicators such as views, downloads, social media and wider engagement.
Bibliographic reference
Open Research Europe, 5, 212.