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Exploring a university entrepreneurship ecosystem : the case of Stellenbosch University
Thesis (MA)--Stellenbosch University, 2025.
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| Format: | Thesis |
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Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
2025
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| _version_ | 1867613760450985984 |
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| access_status_str | Open Access |
| author | Louwrens, Lee-Ann |
| author2 | Solomon, G. |
| author_browse | Louwrens, Lee-Ann Solomon, G. |
| author_facet | Solomon, G. Louwrens, Lee-Ann |
| author_sort | Louwrens, Lee-Ann |
| collection | Thesis |
| dc_rights_str_mv | Stellenbosch University |
| description | Thesis (MA)--Stellenbosch University, 2025. |
| format | Thesis |
| id | oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/133558 |
| institution | Stellenbosch University (South Africa) |
| last_indexed | 2026-06-10T12:41:15.521Z |
| license_str | Other — see source repository |
| provenance_str_mv | Harvested via OAI-PMH from SUNScholar — Stellenbosch University Repository |
| publishDate | 2025 |
| publishDateRange | 2025 |
| publishDateSort | 2025 |
| publisher | Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University |
| publisherStr | Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University |
| record_format | dspace |
| source_str | SUNScholar — Stellenbosch University Repository |
| spelling | oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/133558 Exploring a university entrepreneurship ecosystem : the case of Stellenbosch University Louwrens, Lee-Ann Solomon, G. Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept of Business Management. Entrepreneurship -- South Africa Academic-industrial collaboration -- South Africa College graduates -- Employment -- South Africa Education, Higher -- Economic aspects -- South Africa Organizational change -- South Africa UCTD Thesis (MA)--Stellenbosch University, 2025. Louwrens, A. 2025. Exploring a university entrepreneurship ecosystem : the case of Stellenbosch University. Unpublished masters thesis. Stellenbosch: Stellenbosch University [online]. Available: https://scholar.sun.ac.za/items/134fa7cb-0f54-4f92-9169-33c16e2de6dd ENGLISH SUMMARY: Entrepreneurship ecosystems have received significant attention from both practitioners and researchers as a means of fostering an environment conducive to entrepreneurship, a recognised catalyst for societal and economic development. Universities around the globe are increasingly investing in the development of their own entrepreneurship ecosystems to help navigate the changing socio-economic landscape, filled with both new opportunities and challenges. However, despite the extensive body of literature on entrepreneurship ecosystems, a notable gap remains in understanding how universities integrate this entrepreneurial orientation alongside their traditional missions and structures. In addition, limited research addresses the dynamics between ecosystem elements within university entrepreneurship ecosystems, particularly in developing countries, as most studies focus on developed countries. This study explored the entrepreneurship ecosystem of Stellenbosch University. Employing a qualitative research design, this study utilised a single case study approach and data were collected from various internal university stakeholders through semi-structured interviews, observations, and document analysis. Guided by a constructivism-interpretivism paradigm, a five-step thematic analysis was conducted, encompassing four levels of coding, which yielded meaningful findings. The findings reveal that Stellenbosch University's entrepreneurship ecosystem is evolving, driven by the growth of entrepreneurial stakeholders and infrastructure. However, significant challenges persist, including siloed operations and insufficient strategic coordination, which hinder entrepreneurship integration within teaching, research, and institutional structures. The research contributes to theory by highlighting the complex, multi-level dynamics of university entrepreneurship ecosystems and introducing novel insights, such as the cost-saving potential of entrepreneurial activities. It also underscores the importance of fostering an entrepreneurial culture to complement infrastructure and funding. Practically, the study provides actionable recommendations for Stellenbosch University and similar institutions, advocating for enhanced strategic alignment, collaborative policies, and roles dedicated to entrepreneurship ecosystem coordination. These findings have broader implications for developing robust university entrepreneurship ecosystems, ultimately contributing to economic development in South Africa and other developing regions. Note to reader: Throughout this thesis, the terms ‘entrepreneurship’ and ‘entrepreneurial’ are used in their distinct contexts, although in some instances they are employed interchangeably where appropriate. To ensure clarity: - Entrepreneurial: This term functions as an adjective, describing qualities, behaviours, or activities associated with entrepreneurship. - Entrepreneurship: This term, by contrast, is a noun, signifying the activity or process of identifying and pursuing opportunities to create value, typically through innovation and venture creation. In this thesis, ‘entrepreneurial’ is used to describe specific attributes or qualities, whereas ‘entrepreneurship’ is employed to refer to the broader concept or process. While every effort has been made to distinguish these terms based on their respective usages, their occasional interchangeable use reflects common practice in the field and aligns with the context of the discussion. AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Geen opsomming beskikbaar. Masters 2025-08-18T06:40:18Z 2025-08-18T06:40:18Z 2025-03 Thesis https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/133558 Stellenbosch University v, 228 pages : illustrations, includes annexures application/pdf Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University |
| spellingShingle | Entrepreneurship -- South Africa Academic-industrial collaboration -- South Africa College graduates -- Employment -- South Africa Education, Higher -- Economic aspects -- South Africa Organizational change -- South Africa UCTD Louwrens, Lee-Ann Exploring a university entrepreneurship ecosystem : the case of Stellenbosch University |
| title | Exploring a university entrepreneurship ecosystem : the case of Stellenbosch University |
| title_full | Exploring a university entrepreneurship ecosystem : the case of Stellenbosch University |
| title_fullStr | Exploring a university entrepreneurship ecosystem : the case of Stellenbosch University |
| title_full_unstemmed | Exploring a university entrepreneurship ecosystem : the case of Stellenbosch University |
| title_short | Exploring a university entrepreneurship ecosystem : the case of Stellenbosch University |
| title_sort | exploring a university entrepreneurship ecosystem the case of stellenbosch university |
| topic | Entrepreneurship -- South Africa Academic-industrial collaboration -- South Africa College graduates -- Employment -- South Africa Education, Higher -- Economic aspects -- South Africa Organizational change -- South Africa UCTD |
| url | https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/133558 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT louwrensleeann exploringauniversityentrepreneurshipecosystemthecaseofstellenboschuniversity |