The Evolving Role of Export Promotion Agencies (EPAs) in Internationalization Ecosystems:

From Governmental Support to Pivotal Helix

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20397/2177-6652/2025.v25i3.3086

Keywords:

Internationalization Ecosystem Framework (INTE-E); Export Promotion Agencies; Pivotal Helix; Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); ApexBrasil.

Abstract

Objectives: This research assesses the critical institutional role of export promotion agencies (EPAs) in internationalization ecosystems, focusing on ApexBrasil in the Brazilian context. It examines how these agencies foster sustainable economic growth, improve export competitiveness, and integrate firms into global value chains, aligning with key economic targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including decent work, innovation, and resilience. Methodology: A qualitative approach combined systematic literature review with content and thematic analysis to explore ApexBrasil's role in Brazilian internationalization ecosystems. Semi-structured interviews with nine ApexBrasil representatives, analysed deductively and inductively, uncovered new macro-categories and empirical dimensions, enhancing theoretical models of EPAs’ institutional role. Relevance / originality: Grounded in the Internationalization Ecosystem Framework (INT-E), the study positions EPAs as "pivotal helixes" within these ecosystems. By analysing ApexBrasil's role in stakeholder connectivity, it offers a novel perspective on how these agencies enhance global trade and advance SDGs by fostering economic growth and industrial innovation. Main results: EPas seem to function as a "pivotal helix," playing a central role in optimizing internationalization ecosystems through strategic alliances, knowledge transfer, and local support systems. By extending the original concept of the triple helix and enhancing traditional university-industry-government interactions, EPAs contribute to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by fostering economic growth, driving innovation, and strengthening global trade networks. Theoretical / methodological contributions: The study introduces the "pivotal helix" concept, emphasizing EPAs' central role. Thematic analysis reveals their evolving institutional functions, providing insights into their impact on internationalization ecosystems and alignment with SDG-related economic goals.

Author Biographies

João Costa, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte

Ph.D. in Management - Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN)
Professor at the Department of Managerial Sciences - UFRN

Diogo de Menezes Cortes Bezerra, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte

Ph.D. in Management - Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte

Leandro Trigueiro Fernandes, Universidade Potiguar - UnP Ânima

Ph.D. in Management - Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN)
Professor in the Graduate Program in Management at Universidade Potiguar - UnP Ânima

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Published

2025-06-30

How to Cite

Florêncio da Costa ´Júnior, J., Cortes Bezerra, D. de M., & Trigueiro Fernandes, L. (2025). The Evolving Role of Export Promotion Agencies (EPAs) in Internationalization Ecosystems:: From Governmental Support to Pivotal Helix. Revista Gestão & Tecnologia, 25(3), 119–148. https://doi.org/10.20397/2177-6652/2025.v25i3.3086

Issue

Vol. 25 No. 3 (2025)

Section

ARTIGO

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