Together we e-export: Horizontal cooperation among Austrian food companies in global supply chains and the role of electronic business tools

This study examined the horizontal collaboration of small and medium companies (SMEs) in export food supply chains facilitated by the use of electronic business tools. A multi-case study of three best-practice Austrian food SMEs examined the practices of horizontal collaboration in global supply chain management. Then, a survey of Austrian food SMEs assessed the horizontal collaboration facilitators and inhibitors. Findings demonstrate that e-business tools foster the creation of virtual alliances and help SMEs to increase export sales to new and/or niche foreign markets. SMEs have limited resources to overcome obstacles like cost restrictions to use advanced yet expensive e-business tools, managing food safety risks in global supply chains, and meet legal requirements of international trade.