The two publications: Ecosystem and SMMEs Growth Trajectory: Evidence from Emerging and Transitioning Economies and University Incubators and Startups: Evidence from Emerging and Transitioning Economies provide critical insights into the role of entrepreneurship, small business development, and innovation in tackling economic challenges in emerging economies.
Speaking at the launch, UMP’s Dean of the Faculty of Economic Development and Business Studies, Professor Vusi Gumede, acknowledged the dedication and efforts of the publications' editors and contributors.
“Writing a book is a bumpy process, and it is always rewarding to see the final product. The process can be unpredictable, and there is no guarantee that a book will be accessible at the right time. We must congratulate the editors for taking on such an important academic endeavour,” said Professor Gumede, emphasising the importance of entrepreneurship in addressing key societal issues.
“If we can get small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) to function effectively in Africa, we can solve many challenges, including unemployment and poverty. Innovation plays a major role in advancing societies, and these books highlight the crucial role startups and entrepreneurs play in economic growth and community development.
Universities are actively contributing to knowledge generation. The work done by incubators in different institutions – including ours – demonstrates the impact research and innovation can have on society. These books are an important step towards addressing real-world economic issues,” he said.
The two books were launched during the Africa-Asia Roundtable held at the Mbombela Campus.
The books were edited by UMP Vice-Chancellor Professor Thoko Mayekiso, Professor Kanayo Ogujiuba, Dr Angelina Yee Seow Voon, and Dr Ehsan Muhammad. One of the editors, Director of Research & Enterprise at the Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation, Dr Angelina Yee Seow Voon, shared insights into the book’s journey from idea to publication.
“This project started as an academic collaboration beyond our usual entrepreneurship activities with students. We wanted to create a publication that would contribute to global research on university incubators and small businesses.
Even though the book has undergone three rounds of editing, we are still refining it to ensure it is of the highest quality. This process has taught us the importance of persistence and collaboration in academic research,” she added.
“By working together, universities can strengthen their research impact. This book is a result of an International Research Network (IRN) initiative, which aligns with global university rankings and research excellence. We currently have seven joint projects in progress and five more in the pipeline. We look forward to more collaborations that will contribute to future Scopus-indexed publications."
The launch of the two books marks a significant achievement for UMP, UNIIC, and the global research community, reinforcing the UMP’s role in advancing entrepreneurship, business incubation, and innovation.
As universities continue to play a crucial role in knowledge production and societal development, these books serve as valuable resources for policymakers, entrepreneurs, and academics working to drive economic growth and innovation
Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures ©ChrisplPhoto.