OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to gain in-depth knowledge of the essence and operation of the Export Consortiums, the different types that exist, keys to their success and failure that we can identify from their twenty years of application, the different stages through which they evolve, the principal factors to consider from the commercial, financial and human resources point of view and, lastly, the different types of assistance available for their implementation.

DESCRIPTION: The study is structured into two clearly defined parts. The first concerns the conceptualisation and importance of the export consortiums as a tool for accessing the international markets. The second is the methodology used and the analysis of the obtained results, ending with the presentation of the principal conclusions of the study, its limitations and implications for company management, as well as the list of the main sources of bibliographical information used.

PARTICIPATING ENTITIES: Universidad de Almería.

FINANCING: Department of Social Economy and Entrepreneurs of the Autonomous Government of Andalusia

COMPLETION DATE: April 2007.