Info promotes the external competitiveness of Murcia's SMEs by applying AI and Big Data to exports

 

La Ministry of Business, Employment and Social Economy of the Region of Murcia, through the Development Institute (Info), has run the program 'Export Lab' to provide local SMEs with tools to Artificial Intelligence (AI) y Big Data, with the aim of overcoming trade barriers and increasing their competitiveness in international markets.

 

Technological innovation applied to international strategy

 

 

 

The core of this initiative lies in the modernization of export sales processes. 'Digital Internationalization Laboratory' It seeks to help small and medium-sized enterprises integrate commercial digitization and process automation as cornerstones of their growth.

 

As explained by the director of the Info, Joaquin Gomez, the methodology has been eminently practical: “'Export Lab' It provides companies in the Region with applied learning, based on real cases, so that they can incorporate digital solutions directly into their export processes.”

 

The program was specifically aimed at managers and directors of export, sales, or international marketing. To participate, SMEs had to meet strict requirements, such as having their own brand and product and maintaining at least one 25 percent of turnover in foreign markets.

 

Training structure and participating companies

 

 

 

The training, which took place last November, consisted of a series of three in-person workshops, each lasting three hours, complemented by two hours of individual virtual mentoring per company. This hybrid format allowed for the technological tools to be adapted to the specific needs of each company.

 

Training Workshop	Key Themes	Goal
Introduction to AI and disruptive technologies	generative AI, content design, automated marketing.	Modernization of international marketing strategies.
Competitive intelligence and Big Data	Market analysis, customer identification, and competitor analysis.	Data-driven strategic decision making.
Basic process automation	Order management, customer relationship management (CRM), shipping.	Elimination of repetitive tasks in exporting.

 

 

The companies benefiting from this edition have spanned various productive sectors in the region. Among the participants are:

 

 

• Food and Drinks: Cyclone Nutrition, Olea Fyton, Cerdán Candies, Dulceplus Candies, Hijos de Juan Gil Wineries, Silvano García Wineries, Herbo Spice.
• Industry and Manufacturing: Ecus Sleep, Hernández González Brothers, Navarro Azorín, NMC Shoes, Marcopack.
• Other Sectors: Health Cleaning Products, Everlasting y Centic.

 

 

Expected results in commercial management

 

 

 

The implementation of these technologies allows companies to optimize resources and refine their commercial targeting. As detailed GomezThe program helps to "multiply international sales by identifying high-potential markets."

 

The main competitive advantages acquired by SMEs after their time in the 'Export Lab' include:

• Improvement in the ability to market segmentation.
• Use of predictive analytics to locate the ideal client.
• Strengthening competitiveness in a changing global environment.

 

 

Key points and frequently asked questions about 'Export Lab'

 

 

What technologies are taught in the program?
The program focuses on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data and process automation tools specifically applied to internationalization and foreign trade.

What is the profile of the participating companies?
It is aimed at SMEs in the Region of Murcia with their own brand and product, whose export managers are looking to digitize their sales. It is a requirement that at least the 25% of your turnover comes from foreign markets.

How is the training structured?
It combines face-to-face training in practical workshops on real cases with virtual individual mentoring to ensure the effective implementation of digital solutions in each company.