Dr. Densil Williams, an expert in this area, has been conducting research on how to make small businesses, especially those from small, open economies become more internationally competitive. His work has been widely accepted by scholars across the globe. He has determined that some important features that principals of small firms must possess in order to improve the export competitiveness of their firms are an international orientation, networking skills, adaptability to new ideas and adroit leadership.

In an increasingly competitive global market place where approximately nine out of ten small businesses will fail, the owners of small firms, especially in a low growth economy like Jamaica, cannot afford not to cultivate these characteristics.