The Evolving Role of Export Promotion Agencies (EPAs) in Internationalization Ecosystems:

Objectives: This research assesses the critical institutional role of export promotion agencies (EPAs) in internationalization ecosystems, focusing on ApexBrasil in the Brazilian context. It examines how these agencies foster sustainable economic growth, improve export competitiveness, and integrate firms into global value chains, aligning with key economic targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including decent work, innovation, and resilience. Methodology: A qualitative approach combined systematic literature review with content and thematic analysis to explore ApexBrasil's role in Brazilian internationalization ecosystems. Semi-structured interviews with nine ApexBrasil representatives, analysed deductively and inductively, uncovered new macro-categories and empirical dimensions, enhancing theoretical models of EPAs’ institutional role. Relevance / originality: Grounded in the Internationalization Ecosystem Framework (INT-E), the study positions EPAs as "pivotal helixes" within these ecosystems. By analysing ApexBrasil's role in stakeholder connectivity, it offers a novel perspective on how these agencies enhance global trade and advance SDGs by fostering economic growth and industrial innovation. Main results: EPas seem to function as a "pivotal helix," playing a central role in optimizing internationalization ecosystems through strategic alliances, knowledge transfer, and local support systems. By extending the original concept of the triple helix and enhancing traditional university-industry-government interactions, EPAs contribute to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by fostering economic growth, driving innovation, and strengthening global trade networks. Theoretical / methodological contributions: The study introduces the "pivotal helix" concept, emphasizing EPAs' central role. Thematic analysis reveals their evolving institutional functions, providing insights into their impact on internationalization ecosystems and alignment with SDG-related economic goals.