The Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Development (EED) project, commissioned by The Education Collaborative at Ashesi University, aims to foster the development of active entrepreneurship ecosystems (EEs) across higher education institutions (HEIs) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).
The project has three key phases: defining, describing, and diagnosing EEs within SSA Higher education institutions.
Defining Entrepreneurship Ecosystems in Sub-Saharan Africa Higher Education Institutions
The EED project began by defining the entrepreneurship ecosystem within the context of Higher Education Institutions in Africa. This involved reviewing existing entrepreneurship ecosystem models and identifying gaps in the available literature. The project team proposed an operational definition of Entrepreneurship Ecosystems for this research, focusing on the regional and institutional perspectives.
Conceptual Framework Development
The project team developed a conceptual framework for Entrepreneurship Ecosystems within Africa’s higher education institutions, addressing the identified gaps. This framework included elements such as enablers, activities, and aspirations of the higher education Institutions.
The team used a mixed-methods research design, including desk study research, expert and higher education institution practitioner engagement, and focus group discussions.
Theory of Change and Transition Process
The EED project also developed a theory of change (ToC) and transition process to enable Higher education institutions in Africa to achieve active entrepreneurship ecosystems. This involved synthesizing the insights from the literature review and expert engagement to create a logical model and appropriate methodology for studying entrepreneurship ecosystems within higher education institutions.
Impact and Next Steps
The EED project has significant implications for higher education institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa, as it provides a framework for understanding and measuring their entrepreneurship ecosystem environment. This will enable institutions to develop interventions that move them closer to their entrepreneurship ecosystem aspirations. The project team plans to continue fostering collaboration and partnerships with these institutions, aligning their efforts with the African continent and supporting the growth of higher