Integrating ecosystems : the synergistic effects of digital innovation hubs on start-up growth

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Authors

Gumbo, Edwell
Moos, Menisha

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

AOSIS

Abstract

BACKGROUND : South Africa faces significant socio-economic challenges, with unemployment rate. This highlights the need for economic strategies to generate employment, and start-ups are crucial in this context, as they foster innovation, create jobs and increase competitiveness. AIM : The study aims to investigate how digital innovation hubs (DIHs) influence start-up growth, focusing on their roles and functions. SETTING : The research is set within the context of DIHs in Africa, specifically examining the 12 DIHs established under the AEDIBNET programme. METHODS : A qualitative methodology was employed, using semi-structured interviews with six DIH managers and 28 entrepreneurs or start-up founders. RESULTS : Supporting start-up growth, holistic development support and integrated ecosystem enhancement by DIHs emerged as key themes. These factors foster a conducive environment for innovation and sustained growth. CONCLUSION : Digital innovation hubs play a crucial role in supporting start-up growth by providing comprehensive and integrated support systems. Their functions collectively enhance start-up growth. CONTRIBUTION : This study fills a critical gap in the existing literature on DIHs, offering empirical insights into their impact on start-up growth within the African context. The findings provide valuable implications for policymakers, practitioners and researchers aiming to foster the growth of start-ups. Additionally, the study integrates and expands upon knowledge spillover theory, institutional theory and cluster theory. It demonstrates how DIHs facilitate knowledge sharing, provide formal support structures, foster informal networks, and create and sustain entrepreneurial clusters.

Description

DATA AVAILABILITY : The data that support the findings of this study are openly available at the University of Pretoria research data management platform at: https://doi.org/10.25403/UP researchdata.26190611.v1.

Keywords

DIH ecosystem, Synergistic effects, Start-ups, Institutional theory, Cluster theory, Knowledge spillover theory, Qualitative study, Digital innovation hub (DIH), SDG-01: No poverty, SDG-08: Decent work and economic growth, SDG-17: Partnerships for the goals

Sustainable Development Goals

SDG-01:No poverty
SDG-08:Decent work and economic growth
SDG-17:Partnerships for the goals

Citation

Gumbo, E. & Moos, M., 2024, ‘Integrating ecosystems: The synergistic effects of digital innovation hubs on start-up growth’, Southern African Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management 16(1), a945. https://DOI.org/10.4102/sajesbm.v16i1.945.