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This paper investigates the relationship between Corporate Social Responsibility, talent development, and performance in youth-led entrepreneurial firms operating in South Africa, where youth unemployment levels are high. It acknowledges that Corporate Social Responsibility plays a part in talent development and influencing the performance of an organization which is not well developed in young entrepreneurship. Through bibliometric analysis, the paper depicts the landscape of current knowledge and research trends to key themes, main authors and collaborative networks. Findings show that there is an emerging wake-up call to Corporate Social Responsibility as a strategic drive for the development of human capital and enhancing performance in youth-led companies, with notable gaps both conceptually and empirically on the institutional context of South African youth-owned businesses. This paper recommends that there should be more investment in culture-specific, evidence-based research and greater incorporation of Corporate Social Responsibility into programmes for youth talent development. By linking Corporate Social Responsibility to targeted talent development, long-term performance outcomes can be enhanced, and inclusive entrepreneurial growth for youth may be reinforced as a broad-based strategy for job creation, innovation, and sustainable economic development.

Entrepreneurship is increasingly recognised as a critical driver of economic growth, innovation, and graduate employability in the global knowledge economy. While entrepreneurship education has traditionally been located within business and management disciplines, limited attention has been paid to the pedagogical role of English methodology in cultivating entrepreneurial skills and mindsets in higher education. This study addresses this gap by systematically reviewing empirical literature published between 2014 and 2025 to examine how English teaching methodologies contribute to the development of entrepreneurial competencies among university students. Guided by human capital theory, social learning theory, and the theory of planned behaviour, the study synthesises evidence from peer-reviewed studies across diverse higher education contexts. The findings indicate that learner-centred, communicative, and experiential English pedagogies play a significant role in fostering key entrepreneurial attributes, including creativity, critical thinking, opportunity recognition, collaboration, adaptability, and persuasive communication. Approaches such as project-based learning, academic literacy instruction, digital storytelling, debate, and pitching tasks are shown to bridge linguistic competence with entrepreneurial agency by enabling students to apply language skills in authentic, problem-oriented contexts. Furthermore, English methodology emerges as a transversal pedagogical platform that supports interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation across academic fields. The study concludes that integrating entrepreneurship-oriented English methodologies into higher education curricula is not supplementary but essential for preparing graduates to navigate complex labour markets and entrepreneurial ecosystems. The article offers practical implications for curriculum design, academic development, and institutional policy, positioning English methodology as a strategic contributor to entrepreneurship education and socio-economic development.

Focusing on the challenges faced by entrepreneurship educators in South Africa, we employed a qualitative research approach.  The aim was to offer valuable insights that are applicable to similar educational settings and contribute to the broader discourse on entrepreneurship education. Data was gathered through semi-structured interviews from a purposive sample of seven entrepreneurship educators in South Africa. The qualitative data collected for this study was analysed using thematic analysis with the support of ATLAS.ti version 24. The research reveals that educators encounter challenges in keeping the curriculum current due to changes in technology, market trends, and the rapidly evolving business environment. The findings also indicated that one semester was insufficient for educators to cover all the theoretical and practical aspects of entrepreneurship. Additionally, student engagement posed a challenge for educators as students showed more interest in pursuing formal employment rather than starting their own businesses. Interdisciplinary collaboration, lack of local case studies, networking and industry connections, resource constraints, and short-term teaching contracts were also identified as some of the challenges faced by entrepreneurship educators in universities. The practical implications suggest a need to promote entrepreneurship by implementing initiatives such as workshops and mentorship programs with successful entrepreneurs. The research fills a gap in the existing literature, as there is a limited understanding of the specific challenges faced by entrepreneurship educators.

Entrepreneurship is essential in tackling youth unemployment and poverty in South Africa. Yet, little empirical research explores how entrepreneurial skills, support systems, and societal values impact university students' entrepreneurial activities and success. This study examines the effects of these factors on students’ entrepreneurial outcomes and investigates how societal values may influence the relationship between activity and success. Conducted among students at the University of the Western Cape and the University of Mpumalanga, the research employed a quantitative, positivist approach. Data from 314 students were collected via a structured questionnaire, and validated constructs were analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to test the proposed relationships. Results show that entrepreneurial skills and support systems significantly drive entrepreneurial activity, which in turn positively influences entrepreneurial success. Societal values also directly predict success, but they do not significantly moderate the link between activity and success. Overall, entrepreneurial competencies and support mechanisms are crucial for student outcomes, while societal values enhance success but have limited moderating effects. This research is among the first in South Africa to integrate empowerment theory and an expanded Theory of Planned Behaviour to explain student entrepreneurship. It offers valuable insights for higher education institutions, policymakers, and entrepreneurship programmes aiming to promote success in emerging economies.

Entrepreneurship has become a vital force for economic development and innovation in the 21st century. Higher education institutions are pivotal in preparing students to succeed in this dynamic landscape by nurturing entrepreneurial skills and mindsets. This systematically reviewed the 23 empirical studies from databases between 2014 and 2024 to explore the imperative role of higher education in fostering entrepreneurship. It examines the evolving demands of the global economy, emphasising the need for individuals equipped with the creativity, resilience, and adaptability characteristic of successful entrepreneurs. The research findings highlight the pivotal role of higher education in fostering entrepreneurial skills and mindsets. Key findings include adopting interdisciplinary curriculum design and integrating business, technology, and creative fields to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of entrepreneurship. The findings reveal that Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are critical in promoting entrepreneurial skills and mindsets. They can achieve this by driving entrepreneurial growth, providing practical learning opportunities, promoting cross-disciplinary and collaborative learning, and addressing challenges in entrepreneurship education. To fully realise this potential, a comprehensive approach is needed, including changes to the curriculum, development of academics, institutional support, and community involvement. This will enable HEIs to produce competent, knowledgeable graduates who drive innovation and economic development. Experiential learning opportunities such as internships and startup incubators significantly nurture entrepreneurial mindsets by offering real-world experiences and enhancing problem-solving skills. The study emphasises the importance of entrepreneurial ecosystems within higher education institutions, promoting collaboration and innovation through partnerships with various stakeholders.

This study examines the critical success factors (CSFs) that contribute to the effectiveness of ideation programs for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with a focus on the Durban University of Technology’s Centre for Social Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator. Employing a quantitative methodology, data were collected from 52 participants through a structured questionnaire and analysed using SPSS. The demographic profile indicated that most participants were young entrepreneurs operating in early-stage, resource-limited businesses. Reliability testing confirmed the robustness of the measurement scale (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.831; KMO = 0.709). Results from mean score analysis and one-sample t-tests demonstrated that clearly defined program objectives, customized content, mentoring, collaboration, practical learning experiences, a supportive environment, and access to market insights were consistently highly valued. Additionally, mechanisms such as feedback processes, follow-up support, and partnerships with industry stakeholders were identified as essential for maintaining the long-term impact of ideation initiatives. The study concludes that the success of ideation programs depends on a systems-based approach that effectively integrates resources, processes, the environment, and ongoing feedback, thereby promoting innovation, competitiveness, and resilience among SMEs.

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are central to the Zambia’s economy, but often struggle with sustained profitability. This study examined the influence of entrepreneurial characteristics on SME profitability in Zambia. Specifically, the study aimed at; (i) identifying the key influential entrepreneurial characteristic and (ii) analysing the relationships between entrepreneurial characteristics and SME profitability. Entrepreneurial characteristics examined included; innovativeness, risk-taking, autonomy, confidence/negotiation skills, readiness, need for achievement, experience and education.  Data were collected from 201 SMEs registered with the Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) across seven urban canters through structured questionnaires administered in face-to-face approach. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select respondents. Factor analysis, Pearson correlation, and chi-square tests were used to analyse the data. Findings revealed that entrepreneurial characteristics significantly influence SME profitability, with autonomy emerging as the most influential characteristic. However, correlation analysis indicated that autonomy and other characteristics including; education, experience, innovativeness, readiness, confidence, need for achievement, and risk-taking do not have a significant direct linear relationship, implying that their influence is contingent on contextual factors like finance, regulations, and markets. The study concludes that entrepreneurial characteristics alone are insufficient for profitability; instead, their influence depends on their alignment with environmental opportunities, offering insights for policy, training, and SME support interventions. Therefore, policy and practice should move beyond narrow emphasis on formal education or abstract entrepreneurial characteristics. Interventions should promote adaptive leadership, decision-making under uncertainty, and resource mobilisation that promote autonomous behaviour.  

Entrepreneurship education has been implemented at numerous higher education institutions to provide students with the skills and knowledge for pursuing entrepreneurship as a career.  Nevertheless, several problems confront entrepreneurship education, despite its recognised benefits among students.  This study sought to identify the obstacles in entrepreneurship education that impede student entrepreneurial development at the University of Venda.  The research employed a qualitative design to fulfil its purpose.  The targeted population consisted of University of Venda student-entrepreneurs engaged in entrepreneurship education programs and those enrolled in entrepreneurship courses.  A convenience sample method was employed to choose 10 participants, and data were gathered using semi-structured face-to-face and telephone interviews in alignment with the research objectives.  The gathered data was evaluated thematically utilising Atlas.ti version 8.4. The findings revealed the obstacles confronting entrepreneurship education, which include budgetary limits, insufficient funding, and unsuitable teaching techniques.  This research is one of the few that have recognised the obstacles of entrepreneurship education for students.  A mixed-method research strategy is advisable for a comprehensive comprehension of the topic.

This study investigates the perceptions of Management Sciences students in Bloemfontein, South Africa, regarding the role of technology in facilitating entrepreneurship and its impact on business success. In the context of a rapidly evolving technological landscape, the research aims to evaluate students' knowledge, attitudes, and comprehension of how technology influences entrepreneurial endeavours. Utilising a quantitative approach, this study identifies gaps in students' understanding, assesses their readiness to embrace technological advancements, and evaluates their awareness of the strategic importance of technology in the entrepreneurial journey. Findings reveal significant insights into students' perceptions and highlight areas for improvement in educational curricula designed to enhance technological literacy among aspiring entrepreneurs. This study contributes to the development of interventions that equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the increasingly digital entrepreneurial landscape, thereby promoting a generation of technologically proficient and entrepreneurial-minded individuals.

Entrepreneurship serves as a key catalyst for innovation, job creation, and sustainable economic growth in developing societies. This paper reviews existing literature to evaluate how entrepreneurship education enhances students’ understanding of global markets and the productive economy. Using studies published between January 2015 and September 2025, the review synthesizes evidence from diverse contexts to explore cognitive, experiential, and skill-based learning outcomes. The analysis highlights recurring themes such as adaptability, resilience, innovation, and interdisciplinary learning, revealing that entrepreneurship education significantly improves students’ economic awareness and entrepreneurial intentions. Methodologically, a structured qualitative review was applied across multiple academic databases using defined inclusion criteria. Ten studies were examined in depth, showing consistent links between entrepreneurship education and enhanced global market literacy, entrepreneurial self-efficacy, and practical business application. The paper contributes to theory by integrating insights from critical realism and evolutionary economics, offering an interdisciplinary framework for analyzing entrepreneurship education’s societal impact. In practice, the findings suggest that embedding global market simulations and intercultural experiences within curricula can strengthen students’ preparedness for dynamic economies. The review concludes with implications for policymakers, educators, and future researchers.

Entrepreneurship literacy has become a critical response to South Africa’s pressing socio-economic challenges, particularly high unemployment and poverty. This paper examines the role of higher education institutions (HEIs) in embedding entrepreneurship literacy into their curricula, going beyond traditional entrepreneurship education by integrating competencies such as innovation, economic management, and technological fluency across disciplines. Using a narrative literature review complemented by a meta-analytic synthesis, the study systematically analysed global and South African scholarship published between 2007 and 2025. The findings reveal that entrepreneurship literacy programmes have a moderate positive effect on students’ entrepreneurial intentions and self-efficacy, but only a small effect on actual venture creation, highlighting persistent structural barriers such as funding gaps, limited incubation, and insufficient staff training. In contrast, international contexts where entrepreneurship education is deeply integrated across disciplines show stronger outcomes. The study concludes that for South Africa to realise the transformative potential of entrepreneurship literacy, a unified national policy, adaptive curricula, academic staff development, and robust industry partnerships are essential. Without these systemic reforms, entrepreneurship literacy will remain an underutilised resource, but with them, it can become a cornerstone for innovation, employability, and inclusive economic growth.

This research investigates the contribution of women-owned businesses in driving economic development within the UAE, focusing on the primary elements influencing their success. A purposive sampling method was used to gather input from the Emirati businesswomen through a custom-designed questionnaire. Data were collected via various methods, including telephone interviews, email correspondence, and on-site visits where applicable. For analysis, the study employed partial least squares regression and structural equation modeling to assess both the measurement and structural frameworks. The evaluation centered on four key dimensions: individual attributes, organizational internal and external elements, support mechanisms, and the impact of national cultural norms. According to the results, business outcomes are positively influenced by individual traits, cultural context, external conditions, and support networks, whereas internal factors appear to lack significant influence. Notably, while the prevailing national culture enhances the overall performance of women-led ventures, it appears to impair the function of support systems. The research sheds light on the essential enablers and cultural limitations shaping the success of female entrepreneurs in the UAE.

The research was a comprehensive study on the association between Entrepreneurial Competencies (EC) and Managerial Competencies (MC) within the Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) sector in Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. SMEs are recognized as crucial drivers of economic development, particularly in regions undergoing developmental transitions like KwaZulu-Natal. However, there is a notable gap in understanding the interplay between EC and MC within this sector, despite their acknowledged significance in fostering SME success and economic growth. Through a cross-sectional survey approach targeting SMEs in the Durban South area, data on entrepreneurial and managerial competencies and their impact on SME growth were collected from owner-managers. The survey instrument, a self-administered questionnaire, consisted of closed-ended questions structured on a 5-point Likert scale. Statistical tools such as regression analysis and simple percentages were employed to analyse the data. The study findings suggest that while both EC and MC are essential for SME success, their direct impact on SME growth may vary depending on the context and organizational characteristics. While no statistically significant associations were found between SME growth and EC, significant associations were observed between SME growth and MC. The study recommends an integrated approach to competency building within SMEs, emphasising the synergies between entrepreneurial and managerial competencies. Future research should explore these dynamics further, considering industry-specific factors and organizational dynamics, to provide practical implications for competency development strategies and business management practices.

Psychological problems pose a significant threat to the entrepreneurial process, including increasing fear of failure and reducing the probability of starting a business. Consequently, substantial research found that entrepreneurial fear of failure reduces the intention to start a business and negatively impacts on entrepreneurial behaviour and the entrepreneurial process. Considering the adverse effects of fear of failure on entrepreneurial development, and subsequent economic development, it is imperative to investigate strategies that mitigate entrepreneurial fear of failure. Thus, this literature review study explores the strategies that can reduce fear of failure among entrepreneurs. Secondary research was conducted using online databases to comprehensively review literature on entrepreneurial fear of failure. The findings show that entrepreneurial education and training programs, social and peer support, cultural and institutional support, mindset and personal development and perceived knowledge and skills play a significant role in mitigating entrepreneurial fear of failure. Drawing from the study findings, the research recommends that entrepreneurship education programs focus on developing personal traits such as self-efficacy, resilience and optimism and addressing psychological problems faced by entrepreneurs. Furthermore, policymakers should develop failure-tolerance policies, and the entrepreneurial ecosystem should create a culture that views failure as part of the entrepreneurial process to motivate aspiring entrepreneurs. Moreover, the entrepreneurial ecosystem should create a supportive and collaborative environment that fosters a positive inclination towards entrepreneurship.

The changing business environment in South Africa has encouraged Management Accounting graduates to consider alternative career paths beyond traditional corporate positions. Entrepreneurship, especially in the fields of consulting and financial advisory, offers a valuable opportunity for these graduates to utilize their skills in financial analysis, business strategy, and risk management. Nonetheless, many graduates remain underrepresented in entrepreneurial endeavors due to several challenges, including limited exposure to entrepreneurship education, a tendency towards risk aversion, and difficulties in accessing financial resources. This study examines the entrepreneurial intentions of Management Accounting graduates in South Africa, focusing on their perceptions of self-efficacy, available support systems, and the obstacles they encounter in pursuing entrepreneurship. Anchored in the Entrepreneurial Intention Theory (EIT), the research investigates key factors such as attitudes towards entrepreneurship, perceived behavioral control, and subjective norms that affect graduates’ career decisions. A quantitative methodology was employed, surveying third year and postgraduate diploma students at the Durban University of Technology to evaluate their preparedness for entrepreneurship. The findings reveal that although graduates acknowledge entrepreneurship as a feasible career option, deficiencies in entrepreneurial training and limited opportunities for practical business experience impede their transition into self-employment. The study emphasizes the necessity of incorporating entrepreneurship education into Management Accounting curricula and enhancing collaborations between universities and industries to address these deficiencies. Moreover, targeted support from government agencies and financial institutions is crucial for cultivating a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem. The study seeks to provide valuable insights for educational institutions and policymakers to improve career diversification strategies for graduates by tackling these barriers. Promoting entrepreneurial ventures in consulting and financial advisory not only broadens employment opportunities but also contributes to the wider economic development of South Africa.

This purely qualitative study is about the perceptions of growth for Wood Processing SMEs at Lusaka’s Buseko and Mandevu-Chaisa markets. The first objective was to highlight factors that can contribute to the growth of wood processing SMEs at Buseko and Mandevu-Chaisa markets to grow into viable commercial ventures. The second objective was to ascertain the challenges SMEs in the wood processing industry were facing. The third objective was to explore the strategies that can be implemented by the wood processing SMEs to ensure profitability and growth of wood processing business ventures. An interpretivism paradigm was adopted targeting a sample size of 20 SMEs that were identified using a snowball sampling method from a population 82 SMEs. The information was collected using semi structured interview guides and analysed using an inductive thematic approach. The findings revealed that there was available market for wood products and there was evidence of some SMEs in wood processing at the two markets growing into commercial ventures. Lack of specialized commercial equipment, lack of government support towards SMEs in wood processing and lack of formal training in wood processing were identified as challenges. Access to commercial equipment, taking wood processing industry as a quick method of employment creation and marketing wood products were identified as strategies that can be implemented to ensure profitability and growth of wood processing SMEs. The study recommended access to commercial equipment through cooperative loans and promoting training of more youths in carpentry and joinery in order to alleviate employment shortage.   

Previous studies indicate the adverse effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on entrepreneurship sustainability and socio-economic development. The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic caused an economic crisis in global economies. This study acknowledged that entrepreneurship is a crucial component to consider in mitigating the aftereffects of the pandemic on economies and their recovery. The study examines the characteristics that encourage the survival of entrepreneurship in the COVID-19 pandemic environment and investigates the link between entrepreneurship and long-term development. The study evaluated the relevant literature to validate the correlations between the key variables to accomplish this goal. Given the setting of the Coronavirus pandemic, the study determines what the future of entrepreneurship will look like. The study is interested in knowing what path the entrepreneurs will choose regarding recovery. The method used to perform this study was a judgemental survey on the future trends in entrepreneurship. According to the findings, the top three positions are freelancing, internet and innovative entrepreneurship, and business globalisation, which will follow the trend in entrepreneurship. The practical implications of this research support entrepreneurs in their pursuit of new business trends.

This study aims to explore incubatees’ perceptions of the challenges facing start-ups and entrepreneurs at the National University of Lesotho Innovation Hub. An interpretive, qualitative approach was adopted. Six purposively selected incubatees partook in semi-structured interviews and the data were analysed through content thematic analysis. Delay in disbursement of incubation funds, infrastructure deficits and deficiency of entrepreneurial knowledge were identified as the major constraints as perceived by incubatees. University hubs should ensure that capitation grants are disbursed to the start-ups on time to provide incubateess’ timely preparation of the budgets and purchase of all the required products and hence timely commencement of the incubation process. Lack of essential facilities in the university hub and deficiency of entrepreneurial knowledge may hinder the ability of start-ups to successfully develop. The study results suggest the development of strategies and initiatives to effectively support start-ups in university hubs. Benchmarking from successful experience of regional and international universities innovation hubs on how to effectively manage incubator sponsorship. Implementation of training and development programs to assist start-ups to acquire new skills and stay updated with the latest industry trends and technologies. Lastly, investment in contemporary facilities, such as labs, offices and provision of state-of-art resources for incubatees is commended.

The secretive conduct of entrepreneurs regarding their business success undermines the principles of openness, transparency, and honesty, which are essential in entrepreneurship as they foster accountability, responsible business practices, and ethical behaviour. The research seeks to examine the degree to which entrepreneurs reveal information regarding their business success to various stakeholders. The research employed an interpretative perspective and a qualitative methodology. Purposive sampling was employed to choose entrepreneurs managing SMMEs in the Limpopo Province. An inductive methodology was employed to obtain comprehensive data regarding the communication of entrepreneurial success by firm owners. ATLAS.ti 8 was employed for data analysis. The findings indicated that entrepreneurs convey their success to diverse stakeholders, including relatives, friends, and business networks, by sharing best practices and inspiring others to pursue entrepreneurial endeavours. This study has discovered that the disclosure of success primarily occurs when entrepreneurs seek funding or loans from banks and the government. Standard communication with authorities was identified as another method by which entrepreneurs report their success to the South African Revenue Services during tax return submissions. This study found that entrepreneurs' perceptions of success vary in their communications with different stakeholders. The work offered significant contributions to the existing literature and future research from a theoretical standpoint.

Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) are crucial to South Africa's economy, significantly contributing to job creation and innovation. However, they face challenges such as limited access to finance, skills shortages, and difficulties in adopting emerging technologies, which hinder their growth and sustainability. This study aims to explore the role of innovative entrepreneurship and technology in enhancing SMME performance. Through a systematic literature review and thematic analysis, the research identifies twelve key themes that underscore how innovative entrepreneurship can drive adaptability, improve operational efficiency, and facilitate market access. Findings indicate that innovative business models and practices are essential for SMMEs to overcome financial and operational barriers, enabling them to respond effectively to market demands. The study recommends that the South African government and private sector collaborate to enhance financial accessibility, develop targeted training programmes, and improve infrastructure. By fostering a supportive environment for innovative entrepreneurship, SMMEs can leverage emerging technologies more effectively, ultimately driving economic growth and social development in the country.