The importance of social networks in the penetration of high-tech companies into the markets of other countries: stakeholders interviews

The interviews tackle the success of companies entering the markets of European Union member states and third-country markets, the mechanisms used by companies in this regard, and the topics of social capital. The interviews are based on a survey results conducted among high-tech companies in Slovenia (DOI 10.5281/zenodo.15088379).

A purposive sampling method was used. The interviewees were divided into three relevant spheres: public institutions, business associations, and companies. In each sphere, two institutions/companies were identified. The interviewees were selected based on their job position and experience in the field of the topic under discussion. A total of six interviews were conducted in July 2015. The questionnaire consists of four thematic sections, namely (i) institutional support, (ii) non-institutional support), (iii) involvement in public policy networks and planning of strategic documents, and (iv) network formation. It consists of eight questions. The interviews lasted an average of 45 minutes.