The benefits of collaboration in the entrepreneurship incubation environment in South Africa

Abstract

Small to medium enterprises are the key contributors to national economic growth; however, they need a robust enabling environment that provides the necessary support for the emerging entrepreneur. Incubation is system of support designed to nurture new businesses in a controlled environment. The main objective of this study was to gain insights into the extent of collaboration in the business and technology incubator environment in South Africa. Collaboration is an essential means of creating synergies that produce results; the desired outcome in this context is national economic growth. A qualitative research study was carried out with decision makers in the incubation environment, using a questionnaire that covered the challenges, the extent of networking and rivalry within the incubation milieu. This research found that due to a number of barriers there is a general lack of collaboration in the South African incubation environment. The study highlighted the benefits of collaborative efforts and created the basis for areas of further research.