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In response to unemployment and socio-economic challenges in the South Africa's higher education institutions introduces entrepreneurship education (EE) with the aim to create sustainable job opportunities. However, higher education (HE) struggles to integrate EE within the university programmes and make it as practical as possible. Furthermore, fostering entrepreneurial mindset and intentions among students is not an easy task. The primary objective of this conceptual paper is to examine the level of entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurial intentions among the students within the South African higher education. We used qualitative case study methodology, to purposive select 30 articles using a google scholar search engine. The paper was driven by three research questions, namely, what is the level of entrepreneurship education among students in South African higher education? What are the entrepreneurial intentions of these students? Does the design of the EE curriculum foster students' entrepreneurial mindset and intentions? The findings identified a need to curriculum transformation that integrate EE across various disciples; not just a stand-alone module that fails to foster a broad-based entrepreneurial mindset. Furthermore, the findings shows that policy support and infrastructural development should be geared towards the growth and sustainability of EE programs and launching of innovation hubs and other support structures within universities to provide practical EE experiences.

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.

High unemployment levels means that graduates are now encouraged to consider entrepreneurship as a career, and it is necessary to understand how entrepreneurship education influences their career choices. We investigated the relationship between entrepreneurial education and entrepreneurial intentions of business management students at selected Universities of Technology (UoT) in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.  We used quantitative research questionnaire to survey the entrepreneurial intentions and skills of students of 224 students enrolled in business courses and had completed a module in entrepreneurship at undergraduate level. Regression analysis of entrepreneurial education variables and entrepreneurial intention was conducted. The findings of this study indicated that Entrepreneurial intention is positively affected by entrepreneurial skills, creativity, leadership, and business experience but negatively by financial knowledge. These results show that while higher levels of financial knowledge have a negative impact on entrepreneurial intention of business students. Therefore, the university curriculum must cultivate traits like resourcefulness, leadership, and ambition which encourages beneficial outcomes of entrepreneurial intention amongst students.

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.

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.

Mobile technology is increasingly prevalent in urban regions of South Africa; nevertheless, there is a scarcity of empirical data evaluating the use and integration of such technologies by small-scale enterprises in KwaZulu-Natal. This research investigates the influence of mobile technology on the efficacy of mobile entrepreneurs within small-scale companies in KwaZulu-Natal. It aims to assess how the integration of mobile technologies influences corporate expansion, competitive edge, and the ability to satisfy market requirements. The research locale encompasses Durban, PMB, Port Shepstone, and Richards Bay in KwaZulu-Natal. The research utilised a quantitative methodology, surveying 384 mobile entrepreneurs affiliated with SEDA in the SMME sector in KwaZulu-Natal. A systematic closed-ended Likert scale questionnaire was used as the main tool for data collection. The analysis of data was conducted with SPSS version 29.0. The results of this research indicate that mobile technologies are perceived as significantly impactful in fostering business expansion, efficiency, and adaptability among mobile entrepreneurs in KwaZulu-Natal. This research determines that mobile technologies significantly contribute to the performance of mobile entrepreneurs in the small-scale industries of KZN. The research will enhance the understanding of mobile entrepreneurship inside small-scale enterprises. Policymakers and entrepreneurs can get advantages by comprehending the influence of mobile technologies on mobile entrepreneurship performance and their impact on business expansion, competitiveness, and market demand fulfilment

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.

This study examines the perceived impact of ideation programs on the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) affiliated with a university-based incubator. A quantitative survey was conducted with 52 SME owners. The findings indicate a predominantly positive perception, with high average scores across all measured dimensions of competitiveness. The survey instrument demonstrated excellent reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.947). Participants reported that participation in ideation programs significantly improved their ability to respond to market changes, identify new opportunities, develop innovative marketing strategies, and enhance their brand reputation. A notable insight is the strong belief among participants that these programs cultivate a culture of innovation and adaptability, which are essential for sustained resilience. The study concludes that structured ideation programs serve as an effective mechanism for developing the dynamic capabilities necessary for SMEs to compete effectively. It is recommended that incubators and policymakers continue to prioritize and invest in such programs as a strategic approach to strengthen SME competitiveness and overall economic vitality.

This study examines the role of ideation programs as drivers of innovation and creativity within Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) at the Durban University of Technology's Centre for Social Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator (CSERI). A quantitative research methodology was used, employing a structured questionnaire distributed to 52 student entrepreneurs. The results indicate a predominantly positive perception among participants, suggesting that ideation programs significantly improve understanding of innovative concepts, encourage creative thinking, and promote a culture of experimentation and collaboration. Statistical analysis demonstrated the high reliability of the measurement instrument (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.843) and revealed notable differences in perceived benefits based on the entrepreneur's age and the duration of the enterprise's operation. The findings suggest that ideation programs are effective tools for developing intangible resources and dynamic capabilities essential for SME innovation. It is recommended that incubator programs be tailored to address the diverse needs of entrepreneurs at various stages of their personal and business development to maximize their effectiveness.

This desk research journal article explores the relationship between entrepreneurship and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) in the context of South Africa. The study examines the challenges and opportunities faced by entrepreneurs in harnessing the potential of 4IR technologies and their impact on economic growth, job creation, and social development. Research shows that people are being laid off as a result of other industries collapsing since their services are no longer needed. The article highlights the government's initiatives and policies to support entrepreneurial activities in the 4IR era. Through the analysis of existing literature and case studies, this article examines the challenges and opportunities faced by entrepreneurs in South Africa. Qualitatively, the study utilized secondary sources for data collection. The study concludes that Industry 4.0 can affect entrepreneurship in South Africa in the era of 4IR. The implications of entrepreneurs in the 4IR include concentrating on the characteristics of the techno-economic opportunities, creating entrepreneurship that reacts to intelligence, and creating a system that adapts to the knowledge of rapid change and manufacturing advancements.