Paper Title
RESEARCH ON THE USE OF INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS E-COMMERCE SUPPORT TOOLS AMONG SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SMEs)

Abstract
Abstract - In recent years, Japan's economy has contracted due to a decreasing population, declining birthrate, and aging demographics, making exports crucial for overcoming this challenge. This strategy allows businesses to access overseas market demand while retaining a Japanese base, and it's more manageable for companies compared to direct investment. The spotlight is notably on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which constitute 99.7% of Japanese companies and often face constraints in terms of human and financial resources. Furthermore, given the substantial challenges faced by Japanese SMEs when expanding globally, business-to-business international e-commerce (B2B cross-border EC) is gaining attention as a solution to lower these barriers. Additionally, it's been highlighted that a "learning effect by exporting" occurs as companies enhance technological and quality standards in response to overseas market demands, acquiring new knowledge and building networks with international business partners. The purpose of the study was to establish an effective method of utilizing cross-border EC support tools for small and medium-sized enterprises to tap into foreign demand. We analyzed case studies of SMEs utilizing cross-border EC support tools, primarily focusing on their growth and utilization of these tools from the perspective of learning effects. In addition to a literature review, the methodology of this study encompassed interviews with companies relevant to the research topic. Case studies were conducted, analyzing management challenges encountered, the factors that prompted the adoption of cross-border EC services, strategies implemented to tackle these challenges post-implementation, and the incorporation of new insights and perspectives gained from overseas operations into domestic business practices. As a result of this research, we propose an effective method for utilizing cross-border EC support tools. This method comprises four key components: the introduction and operation of cross-border EC support tools, the benefits of utilizing these tools for SMEs, leveraging the advantages of cross-border EC support tools (learning effect), and the growth experienced by companies employing these tools. Concentrating on B2B cross-border EC as a strategy for global expansion among small and medium-sized enterprises, this study elucidates the process of international expansion through a learning-oriented lens, utilizing specific case studies. Keywords - SMEs, Overseas Expansion, Business-To-Business International E-Commerce, Learning Effectiveness