Student Entrepreneurship Support at South African Public Universities: An Ecosystem Perspective
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25159/1998-8125/15298Keywords:
student entrepreneurship support, ecosystems, university-based entrepreneurial ecosystemsAbstract
Purpose: It is widely agreed that student entrepreneurship can play a vital role in changing the economic landscape of developing countries. However, the effectiveness of university-based student entrepreneurship support (SES) has been questioned. Our study aimed to gain greater insights into SES in a developing country context by taking an ecosystem perspective on SES offered at South African public universities.
Methodology: A multiple case study strategy was adopted, and data was collected through online semi-structured interviews. Fourteen key informants, holding various positions at eight South African universities, were carefully selected to participate in the study.
Findings: Several types of SES are commonly aimed at developing entrepreneurs, promoting entrepreneurship as a career, and establishing job-creating businesses. To increase the effectiveness of this support, creative spaces, business advice from experts, top management buy-in and funding were regarded as very essential to enhance the interaction and collaboration between different elements in the ecosystem.
Practical implications: As creating a conducive environment for student entrepreneurs cannot occur in isolation, universities’ top management buy-in and financial backing are recommended to establish and offer a broad range of support internally and through external collaborations.
Originality/value: This study contributes to the limited research on SES and responds to several calls to research elements within university-based entrepreneurial ecosystems in a developing country context.
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Copyright (c) 2024 Riyaad Ismail, Shelley Farrington, Alex Bignotti, Jacob Vermeire, Mirjam Knockaert, Saskia Crucke
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Accepted 2024-03-25
Published 2024-06-05
