Stimulating entrepreneurship in Africa

Sriram, Ven; Mersha, Tigineh

doi:10.1108/20425961201000020

Cited by 31 publications

(20 citation statements)

References 28 publications

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“…Entrepreneurs operating in developing countries are constrained by scarcity; for example lacking adequate start-up capital, stiff competition, lack of employees with the right skills, difficulty in finding adequate facilities to start their business (Sriram and Mersha, 2010). A 'refusal to be constrained by limitations' can be taken as the de facto starting point in both cases; both innovator-entrepreneurs were aware of the limited resources, but were not willing to be discouraged under such conditions.…”

Section: Identifying Opportunities For Innovating: Recognizing Needs supporting

confidence: 57%

“…As the example of the wind-turbine illustrates, here the innovator held intimate knowledge of both local needs and the technological potential of wind energy. Knowledge of local needs combined with certain personality characteristics, such as passion, energy, persistence and determination, may be important drivers in an uncertain environment, as is the case in many African countries (Sriram and Mersha, 2010).…”

Section: Bricolage In the Context Of The Innovation And Entrepreneursmentioning

confidence: 90%

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Bricolage as a Means of Innovating in a Resource-Scarce Environment: A Study of Innovator-Entrepreneurs at the Bop

Linna

2013

J. Dev. Entrepreneurship

125

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The aim of this study is to gain an insight on how bricolage is used as a method of innovation in a resource scarce context. Previous studies of entrepreneurship have emphasized the significance of bricolage especially as a way to mobilize resources. Although seen to be essential when entrepreneurs are facing resource constraints, no attention has been paid to bricolage in the context of local entrepreneurs in developing countries. This study is based on the analysis of innovation processes of Kenyan innovator-entrepreneurs who are designing low-cost renewable energy solutions for rural people at the Base of the Pyramid (BOP). In this study, three different types of bricolage were especially recognized: a social mindset combined with resourcefulness; making do with resources at hand; and improvization as way of proceeding. This research provides empirical evidence on how bricolage is used in different parts of the innovation process. The paper contributes significantly to the emerging discussion on innovation and entrepreneurship in the context of a developing country. J. Dev. Entrepreneurship 2013.18. Downloaded from www.worldscientific.com by INDIANA UNIVERSITY @ BLOOMINGTON on 03/16/15. For personal use only. P. Linna 1350015-2 J. Dev. Entrepreneurship 2013.18. Downloaded from www.worldscientific.com by INDIANA UNIVERSITY @ BLOOMINGTON on 03/16/15. For personal use only. Bricolage as a Means of Innovating in a Resource-Scarce Environment 1350015-3 J. Dev. Entrepreneurship 2013.18. Downloaded from www.worldscientific.com by INDIANA UNIVERSITY @ BLOOMINGTON on 03/16/15. For personal use only. P. Linna 1350015-4 J. Dev. Entrepreneurship 2013.18. Downloaded from www.worldscientific.com by INDIANA UNIVERSITY @ BLOOMINGTON on 03/16/15. For personal use only. Bricolage as a Means of Innovating in a Resource-Scarce Environment 1350015-5 J. Dev. Entrepreneurship 2013.18. Downloaded from www.worldscientific.com by INDIANA UNIVERSITY @ BLOOMINGTON on 03/16/15. For personal use only. P. Linna 1350015-6 J. Dev. Entrepreneurship 2013.18. Downloaded from www.worldscientific.com by INDIANA UNIVERSITY @ BLOOMINGTON on 03/16/15. For personal use only. Bricolage as a Means of Innovating in a Resource-Scarce Environment 1350015-7 J. Dev. Entrepreneurship 2013.18. Downloaded from www.worldscientific.com by INDIANA UNIVERSITY @ BLOOMINGTON on 03/16/15. For personal use only. P. Linna 1350015-8 J. Dev. Entrepreneurship 2013.18. Downloaded from www.worldscientific.com by INDIANA UNIVERSITY @ BLOOMINGTON on 03/16/15. For personal use only. Bricolage as a Means of Innovating in a Resource-Scarce Environment 1350015-11 J. Dev. Entrepreneurship 2013.18. Downloaded from www.worldscientific.com by INDIANA UNIVERSITY @ BLOOMINGTON on 03/16/15. For personal use only. "So in about 1999, I made my first turbine [after the one made in childhood], I took it home, and it performed very well. I got orders from that area, I created my own website, I put information there and I P. Linna 1350015-14 J. Dev. Entrepreneurship 2013.18. Downloaded from ww...

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Section: Identifying Opportunities For Innovating: Recognizing Needs supporting

confidence: 57%

Section: Bricolage In the Context Of The Innovation And Entrepreneursmentioning

confidence: 90%

Bricolage as a Means of Innovating in a Resource-Scarce Environment: A Study of Innovator-Entrepreneurs at the Bop

Linna

2013

J. Dev. Entrepreneurship

125

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“…Developing countries such as South Africa are starting to adopt a culture of establishing more SMMEs in order to reduce the growing unemployment rate in the country (Kingdon & Knight, 2007). SMMEs have an important role to play in transitioning and developing countries such as South Africa (Sriram & Mersha, 2010) and its development and promotion have been one of the key policy focus areas in South Africa since 1995 (Rogerson, 2011). The SMME sector has the potential to reduce poverty and help to create jobs (Amra et al, 2013).…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Since SMMEs are seen as vital to the economy's prosperity, without the development of these institutions the economy can risk being stagnant and even show no economic growth (Snyman et al, 2014). SMMEs have an important role to play in transitioning and developing countries such as South Africa (Sriram & Mersha, 2010). SMME development and promotion has been one of the key policy focus areas in South Africa since 1995 (Rogerson, 2011).…”

Section: Survivalist Enterprisementioning

confidence: 99%

A Comparative Analysis of the Socio-Economic Challenges Faced by SMMEs: The Case of the Emfuleni and Midvaal Local Municipal Areas

Molefe

Meyer

Jongh

2018

JEBS

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Flourishing and thriving small, medium and micro enterprise (SMME) sectors have become one of the leading recognised cornerstones of economic development. The ability of these businesses to act as key drivers of economic growth, innovation and job creation make them valuable assets towards any nationâ€™s strive for a more inclusive economic and social outlook. For South Africa in particular, burdened by an epidemic of unemployment, poverty and income inequality, SMMEs role in improving the socio-economic environment proves pivotal. Yet, despite their potential, these businesses face a myriad of challenges, emanating from both internal and external environments, that restricts their growth and development. The primary aim of this study is to identify and compare the main socio-economic challenges faced by SMMEs in two local areas within the Vaal Triangle region. The study made use of a quantitative research approach and a cross-sectional research design through means of the survey method. The sample consisted of a total of 198 SMME owners that resided in both the Emfuleni (ELM) (n = 100) and Midvaal (MLM) (n = 98) local municipal areas. Data analysis involved the use of descriptive statistics, cross tabulations and chi-square tests. Overall the results of the study revealed that amongst the biggest challenges faced by SMMEs included managerial as well as economic aspects such as a lack of skilled labour, insufficient business training and lacklustre local economic conditions. The comparative analysis further revealed more significant infrastructural challenges in the Emfuleni local municipal area while market challenges such as a lack of demand as well as higher transportation costs were experienced by SMMEs located in the Midvaal area. The findings of the study provide valuable insight towards fostering an enabling environment for SMME development, specifically on local levels. In this regard policy stakeholders should adopt a multi-sectoral SMME focus. Possible recommendations include enhanced macroeconomic stability, strong public-private partnership formation and the provision of strong business support structures that facilitate management skills development together with the provision of strategic finance facilities.

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“…One of their key recommendations was for government to make available the enabling environment for private sector led investment through the delivery of suitable infrastructural amenities. Sriram and Mersha [28] discussed the factors that contribute to success of new business venture in Africa especially the start-up. They reported that effective government policy is very crucial in encouraging successful business enterprises.…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Role of Government Policy in Entrepreneurship Development

Obaji¹

2014

SJBM

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This paper aims to develop a conceptual framework that examines the role government policy plays in the development of entrepreneurship and its impact on economic development. The study builds on existing literature on entrepreneurship, economic development and government policy as it relates to entrepreneurial practices. The outcomes of literature review propose two hypotheses. Integrating entrepreneurship practices with economic development, with government policy intervening, a framework is developed. For the reason that entrepreneurship is a part of economic development strategy employed by several countries globally to achieve macroeconomic benefits. The framework provides a starting point for researchers and practitioners to further examine entrepreneurship policies and practices. For researchers, the framework clarifies the determining attributes of entrepreneurship, government policy and economic development dimensions and their proposed relationships. For practitioners, the framework can be used to gain an understanding of the role of government policy on entrepreneurship development as well as economic development.

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Stimulating entrepreneurship in Africa

Cited by 31 publications

References 28 publications

Bricolage as a Means of Innovating in a Resource-Scarce Environment: A Study of Innovator-Entrepreneurs at the Bop

Bricolage as a Means of Innovating in a Resource-Scarce Environment: A Study of Innovator-Entrepreneurs at the Bop

A Comparative Analysis of the Socio-Economic Challenges Faced by SMMEs: The Case of the Emfuleni and Midvaal Local Municipal Areas

The Role of Government Policy in Entrepreneurship Development

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