Abstract:Melitz's dynamic model of export participation is the basis of our empirical specification that accounts for a wide range of internal and external factors affecting the export behaviour of SMEs in Transition Countries (TCs). Using firm-level data, our estimates highlight the particular importance of the human and technology-related factors to the export behaviour of SMEs in TCs. Other important factors for SME exporting activities are productivity-enhancing spillovers from industry -especially vertical -linkages, firm size, ownership type, type of activity, the availability of external finance, networking through business associations, and market share. In addition, significant period and country differences are identified. This paper contributes to the transition literature by filling an important gap in the understanding of the SME internationalisation process and by identifying a comprehensive set of variables to explain firms' export behaviour in TCs. Melitz's dynamic model of export participation is the basis of our empirical specification that accounts for a wide range of internal and external factors affecting the export behaviour of SMEs in Transition Countries (TCs). Using firm-level data, our estimates highlight the particular importance of the human and technologyrelated factors to the export behaviour of SMEs in TCs. Other important factors for SME exporting activities are productivity-enhancing spillovers from industry -especially vertical -linkages, firm size, ownership type, type of activity, the availability of external finance, networking through business associations, and market share. In addition, significant period and country differences are identified. This paper contributes to the transition literature by filling an important gap in the understanding of the SME internationalisation process and by identifying a comprehensive set of variables to explain firms' export behaviour in TCs.

To inform policy making following trade liberalisation between Kosovo and the EU within the framework of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, we specify a gravity model to investigate Kosovo's trade in goods with 28 EU countries, over the period 2005-2013. We reconcile competing methodological requirements by using a dynamic Poisson approach to estimation. Together, persistent trade patterns and an unfavourable combination of demand and supply elasticities suggest that trade liberalisation in isolation is not sufficient to promote exports but may need to be incorporated within a wider policy and institutional framework. In addition, our findings suggest that trade costs should be a particular focus for policy: distance has a big negative influence on Kosovo's exports to EU countries; while diaspora communities promote Kosovo's exports to EU markets, most likely because they offset trade costs.

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Following the propositions of firm internationalization theories including the Melit'z dynamic model of export participation, this paper investigates the effects of human capital on the export decisions of Kosovo's firms. Using a unique dataset of around 500 Small and Medium Enterprises, econometric estimates show mixed indications regarding the relationship between the propensity to export and longevity in export markets and human capital variables, measured by the education of the workforce, and investment in training. While education generally has a negative effect on exporting decisions, the latter shows a consistent positive effect. In the context of Kosovo, this dichotomy may reflect in part the effect of the underperforming education system in Kosovo, which does not produce the right level and/or mix of skills required by the private sector; this, in turn, forces SMEs to invest in increasing workforce capacities.

The contribution of this paper is twofold. First, we use the administrative dataset of the Privatization Agency of Kosovo between 2003 and 2018 to analyze the factors affecting privatization prices. We identify the effects of five sets of variables: features of the auction process; Privatization Agency-related variables; buyer characteristics; asset characteristics; and election-related variables. Second, beyond this econometric investigation, we explore the complexities of the privatization process in Kosovo, in particular the Kosovo-specific factors that may have influenced the prices of privatized enterprises and assets. Policy implications suggest measures to enhance the credibility of the privatization process and related institutions.