Expanding into the international market is not only strategic; it's a competitive necessity for companies that want to position themselves solidly in the face of globalization. In the current economic climate, internationalization presents itself as a strategic response to three major motivations: sustainable growth, risk diversification, and access to cutting-edge technology.
Studies by the Boston Consulting Group show that internationalized companies grow on average 10% faster than those operating solely in their domestic markets. Furthermore, data from ApexBrasil reveals that Brazilian companies that have been exporting for more than five years tend to have a profitability 31% higher than those focused exclusively on the domestic market.
With this data, it's clear that internationalization is an important step in the structuring and growth of companies, but how can we do this safely?
Sustainable growth
Internationalization is one of the most effective levers for companies seeking sustainable growth in the medium and long term. According to McKinsey & Company, companies that expand their operations into foreign markets increase their economic resilience, better leverage their production capabilities, and tend to grow up to 2.5 times faster than competitors restricted to the domestic market. This expansion allows them to tap into new audiences, adapt portfolios to different economic contexts, and generate new sources of revenue in strong currencies, reducing exposure to local volatility.
In addition to geographic expansion, entering new markets requires planning and adaptability. In this process, even a basic analysis of data, such as consumer behavior, regulatory barriers, and competitive dynamics, offers decisive advantages. Thus, internationalization is consolidated not as a risky move, but as a vector for structured growth, contributing to the company's solidity and longevity on the global stage.
Risk diversification
Risk diversification is an essential strategic pillar for Brazilian companies facing volatile and unpredictable domestic markets. An Abracomex study found that 65.3% of companies seeking international expansion cite risk diversification as one of the main motivations for operating abroad, followed by protection against domestic market volatility (61.3% of companies seeking international expansion) and sales expansion (72.7% of companies seeking international expansion). Furthermore, ApexBrasil highlights that moving beyond the domestic market reduces dependence on factors such as economic instability, exchange rate fluctuations, or restrictive policies and regulations. This geographic diversification allows for continued activity in different regions, mitigating exposure to localized shocks and increasing the company's ability to react and adapt to emerging crises.
Especially for micro and small businesses, internationalization represents an effective way to mitigate risks. A study by ApexBrasil, published by Sebrae, emphasizes that this strategy helps expand the customer base and mitigate the impacts of potential crises in certain markets. By expanding, Brazilian companies can balance seasonal and regional variations in demand, ensuring a more stable revenue stream by operating in multiple markets. Although the volume of international operations is still modest, there is steady growth: in 2021, approximately 10,349 Brazilian micro and small businesses were already selling abroad, a result 8 % higher than the previous year, according to InvestSP. This demonstrates that the search for stability and risk diversification drives internationalization as a resilient growth strategy.
Access to new technologies
Internationalization also provides access to innovative technologies and practices. According to the OECD, companies operating in global value chains tend to adopt emerging technologies and advanced management systems more quickly. Exposure to mature markets accelerates technical development, raises operational standards, and drives internal transformations essential to competitiveness.
Furthermore, international openness favors the dissemination of technological innovations through knowledge spillovers. Studies, such as the IMF's, show that firms that benefit from foreign innovation activities (e.g., R&D conducted in other countries) can significantly improve their domestic productivity. This effect is reinforced by exposure to advanced management practices, new production methodologies, and corporate governance models present in more mature markets. Thus, by expanding globally, companies gain access not only to broader markets but also to a range of emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, big data, and Industry 4.0, introducing more agility and efficiency into their operations and corporate culture.
[BRING]
It is in this context that BRING Consulting positions itself as a catalyst. Operating in several markets and headquartered in London, BRING uses its BRIDGE methodology to map opportunities, assess risks, and implement strategic solutions tailored to each business profile. We work with clients from feasibility analysis and go-to-market strategy design to legal structuring and international investment acquisition.
BRING offers more than consulting: it provides the necessary structure to transform intentions into concrete results. We have already taken Brazilian companies to markets around the world, connecting their products, services, and technologies to global innovation and consumption hubs. For companies that want to grow with intelligence, security, and a long-term vision, BRING is the ideal strategic partner.
Business without borders isn't just our slogan. It's our conviction. We're here to help businesses expand their global presence with strategy, consistency, and real impact.
