Research study shows link between language skills and export success

CILT, along with its research partner, InterAct International, have now completed their research into the Effects on the European Economy of Shortages of Foreign Language Skills in Enterprise. The report has been submitted to the European Commission and is expected to be published later this year.

The survey of companies in 29 countries found that a significant amount of business is being lost to European enterprise as a result of lack of language skills, and that there is a clear link between use of languages in the company and export success. Analysis of the survey responses identified some key elements of language management which were associated with strong export performance, and there could be very significant gains to the EU economy if all exporting SMEs employed these techniques.

The survey found that across Europe a broad spectrum of languages will be needed by SMEs to support future intentions to expand into new markets. There is likely to be a growth in demand for linguistic and cultural skills in both global and neighbouring European languages, including of course English.