Influence of ICT incubator on graduates’ innovations and entrepreneurship activities

Abstract

Objective: The present study investigates the impact of ICT incubator in scaling up graduates’ innovation and entrepreneurship ventures in Tanzania. Design and methods: A descriptive design mainly relying on a qualitative approach was used. To collect data, the study used a mixed data collection method integrating face-to-face and focus group discussions for primary data from incubator staff and student incubatees. The primary data collected was subjected to thematic analysis. Main results: The study reveals that the incubator significantly contributes to the development of new start-ups and the growth of existing ones. However, not all new start-ups survive after the incubation period. The foreseen challenges such as capital, stiff market competition, and unfriendly legal and regulatory frameworks appear to hold back graduates’ innovations and entrepreneurship ventures. Theoretical contribution: The study findings are expected to enlighten the government and non-government innovation and entrepreneurship stakeholders, decision-makers, and policymakers on the importance of ICT incubators in fostering digital innovation and entrepreneurship ventures. Practical contribution: The study recommends amendment of unfriendly legal and regulatory frameworks, creation of a business-conducive environment, and provision of start-up capital for smooth scaling of innovations and entrepreneurship ventures.