Indigenous innovation and entrepreneurship as drivers of socio-economic transformation in Ghana

Abstract

This paper examines the effect of indigenous innovation and entrepreneurship in further advancing socioeconomic development in Ghana. It emphasizes how culturally imbibe knowledge systems and traditional practices contribute to long-term development. Specifically in tourism-related industries like agriculture, crafts, and traditional medicine. A quantitative survey was conducted with 362 indigenous entrepreneurs from three administrative regions of Ghana. Structured questionnaires were employed to gather data about innovative techniques and socioeconomic results. The data was asses using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) to find the underlying scope of the innovation and multiple regression analysis. This focus on the relationship between indigenous innovation and socioeconomic factors. The results show a significant relationship between indigenous innovation techniques and major socioeconomic outcomes. The study findings portray a significant and positive correlation between indigenous innovation practices and key socio-economic outcomes, such as employment generation , income growth and cultural continuity. The relationship was significant at p < 0.001. These findings point out that indigenous innovation is not only as a driver of local economic development, but rather is a vehicle for preserving cultural identity and community resilience. The study presents novel empirical evidence from the Global South, challenging conventional innovation paradigms in stressing the socio-cultural relevance of indigenous knowledge systems. It provides new insights on how grassroots entrepreneurial behaviors anchored in tradition can supplement national development initiatives and enhance the broader debate on inclusive innovation.

Keywords: {'name': 'Indigenous Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Socio-Economic Development, Ghana, Cultural Sustainability, Traditional Knowledge'}

Authors & affiliations

Rabi Sidi Ali
Takoradi Technical University

Monique Armstrong-Baidoo
Takoradi Technical University

Albert.T. Agbenyegah
Durban University of Technology

Sussie Aku Damalie
Takoradi Technical University

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