| Resumo: | Due to globalization, countries, businesses, and people from different nations have become more interconnected than ever before in recent years. Following this trend, there is a growing indication for the rising engagement of SME in international marketplaces. When beginning the internationalization process, larger firms can deal more effectively with barriers than SME. This study focused on the external barrier, sometimes driver, namely the lack of support, incentive, and protection from public domestic organizations and institutions dedicated to SME internationalization. After 20 interviews conducted with professionals with high positions in various organizations in the Portuguese internationalization ecosystem, the results suggest that public support for SMEs is vital. However, some institutional voids should be addressed. Moreover, this research provides a comprehensive understanding of this ecosystem involving SME, business associations, financial institutions, and other stakeholders.
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