Thesis (MBA)--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: It has been suggested that without the ability to innovate, an organisation will not be able to survive the demands of an ever-changing operating environment. This raises the question: How can organisations ensure that they are able to innovate? Organisational culture has been identified as a critical variable in answering this question. The culture of the organisation determines to a large extent the degree of innovation in that organisation. Business leaders have made attempts to nurture a culture of creativity and innovation in their organisations through the recruitment of dynamic individuals with innovative traits. However, most of their attempts seemed insufficient in achieving their goals. The primary purpose of this research is to develop a framework for organisational culture that characterises an innovative organisation in small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs). The secondary objective is to identify the enablers and inhibitors of innovation. Research method: The research approach starts with a review of existing literature. This is followed by the development of the theory and empirical research. Data collection was also carried out in the form of semi-structured interviews with senior and middle management in innovative SMMEs. Main findings: The analysis of the findings indicates that an organisation cannot focus on any single aspect of organisational culture. Innovation is a system in the organisation that is strongly guided by the culture of the organisation. Recommendations: Future research on this subject will benefit from the selection of a larger sample of data. Given the dynamic nature of innovation and organisational culture, it is recommended to repeat this research over time in order to explore whether the same dimensions in determining innovative organisational culture still apply. The current research can also be followed up by a study on the sources of innovation in an organisation. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Inleiding: Sonder die vermoë om te kan innoveer, sal ’n organisasie nie kan oorleef in ’n bedryfsomgewing wat voortdurend verander nie. Dit laat die vraag ontstaan: Hoe kan organisasies seker maak hulle die vermoë het om te innoveer? Organisasiekultuur is geïdentifiseer as ’n kritiese veranderlike in die beantwoording van hierdie vraag. Die kultuur van ’n organisasie bepaal grootliks die mate van innovering in daardie organisasie. Sakeleiers probeer om ’n kultuur van kreatiwiteit en innovering in hul organisasies te koester deur dinamiese individue met innoverende karaktereienskappe te werf. Dit blyk egter dat die meeste van hul pogings nie daarin kan slaag om hul doelwitte te bereik nie. Die primêre doel van hierdie navorsing is om ’n raamwerk vir organisatoriese kultuur te ontwikkel wat ’n innoverende organisasie in klein, medium-grootte en mikro ondernemings (KMMO’s) kenmerk. Die sekondêre doelwit is om die moontlikmakers en inhibeerders van innovering te identifiseer. Navorsingsmetode: Die navorsingsbenadering begin met ’n oorsig van bestaande literatuur. Dit word gevolg deur die ontwikkeling van die teorie en empiriese navorsing. Data-insameling is uitgevoer in die vorm van semi-gestruktureerde onderhoude met senior en middelvlakbestuurders van innoverende KMMO’s. Vernaamste bevindinge: Die ontleding van die bevindinge dui daarop dat ’n organisasie nie op een enkele aspek van organisasiekultuur kan fokus nie. Innovering is ’n stelsel in die organisasie wat baie sterk deur die kultuur van die organisasie beïnvloed word. Aanbevelings: Toekomstige navorsing oor hierdie onderwerp sal baat vind by die seleksie van ’n groter steekproef van data. Gegewe die dinamiese aard van innovering en organisatoriese kultuur, word daar aanbeveel dat hierdie navorsing mettertyd herhaal word om uit te vind of dieselfde dimensies vir die bepaling van innoverende organisatoriese kultuur steeds van toepassing is. Die huidige navorsing kan ook opgevolg word deur ’n studie oor die bronne van innovering in ’n organisasie.

Thesis (M. Eng.)--Carleton University, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 76-87). Also available in electronic format on the Internet.

Este estudo teve como objetivo propor uma metodologia para a classificação de alternativas de abertura da inovação em Pequenas e Médias Empresas (PMEs). A estruturação da metodologia passou por duas etapas, a primeira relacionada à base teórica e a segunda à base matemática. Na base teórica foi elaborado um portfólio bibliográfico sobre o tema que forneceu base às análises bibliométricas e sistemática. Os resultados da análise bibliométrica revelaram que a literatura sobre o tema Inovação Aberta (IA) em PMEs, apesar de crescente, ainda não está consolidada. Por meio da análise sistemática do conteúdo dos artigos foram identificadas 18 alternativas e 29 variáveis, que foram agrupadas em 4 critérios, relacionados ao processo de abertura de inovação nas PMEs. Na base matemática, segunda etapa, foi estruturada a metodologia por meio das etapas previstas pelo método ELECTRE TRI. A metodologia conta com oito etapas que possibilitam uma classificação das alternativas de forma estruturada, de acordo com as classes pré-definidas. Posteriormente, a metodologia foi implementada, para teste, em 3 empresas de diferentes setores da economia. Os resultados apontaram diferentes níveis de desempenho nos critérios relacionados às capacidades de cada empresa, sendo: 2,57; 2,37 e; 1,74 para as empresas 1; 2 e; 3, respectivamente, em uma escala de 0 a 4. O resultado da classificação das alternativas de abertura da inovação alocou na classe “A”, considerada a classe mais favorável às empresas, 50% das alternativas para a Empresa 1, 28% para a Empresa 2 e 11% para a Empresa 3. Ao se considerar um cenário de melhoria, foi implementado um aumento de 10% no peso do critério crítico de cada empresa. Com esta variação foram alocadas 72% das alternativas na classe “A” para a Empresa 1, e 22% para a Empresa 3. Para a Empresa 2 não houve reclassificação. Com estes resultados, pôde-se verificar que o aumento no nível de capacidade das empresas pode levar a um aumento significativo de alternativas realocadas em classes superiores. / This study aimed to propose a methodology for the classification of alternatives for opening innovation in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The structuring of the methodology went through two phases, a first relation to the theoretical basis and a second mathematical basis. On the theoretical basis a bibliographic portfolio was elaborated on the subject that serves as the basis for bibliometric and systematic analyzes. The results of the bibliographic analysis reveal that the literature on topic AI in SMEs, although increasing, is not yet consolidated. Through the systematic analysis of the content of the identified articles 18 alternatives and 29 variables were grouped into 4 criteria related to the process of opening innovation in SMEs. In the mathematical base, second stage, a methodology was structured through the ELECTRE TRI method steps. The methodology has the steps that allow a classification of the alternatives in a structured way, according to the predefined classes. Subsequently, the methodology was implemented, for testing, in 3 companies from different sectors of the economy. The results indicate the different levels of performance in the following criteria: 2.57; 2.37 e; 1.74 for enterprises 1; 2 e; 3, respectively, on a scale of 0 to 4. The result of the classification of alternatives to open innovation in class "A", considered a class more favorable to the company, 50% of the alternatives for the company 1, 28% for the Company 2 and 11% for Company 3. When considering a scenario of improvement, a 10% increase in the weight of the companies' critical criteria was implemented. With this variation 72% of the alternatives for class "A" were adopted for company 1, and 22% for company 3. With this, it can be verified that the increase there is no level of capacity of the companies can lead to an increase Significant reallocated alternatives in upper classes.

A presente pesquisa visa identificar os fatores que influenciam a inovação tecnológica em micro e pequenas empresas brasileiras, por meio da análise dos dados secundários da Pesquisa de Inovação Tecnológica (PINTEC 2008), conduzida pelo Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE) junto a 16.371 empresas de ramos industriais e de serviços selecionados. Para tanto, foi feita a modelagem estatística dos microdados relativos à sub-amostra formada pelas 3.092 micro e pequenas empresas inquiridas pela PINTEC 2008. A análise das correlações entre as variáveis que influenciam as inovações e quatro variáveis que caracterizam o tipo e a abrangência das inovações tecnológicas – inovação em produto para o mercado nacional, inovação em produto para o mercado mundial, inovação em processo para o mercado nacional, inovação em processo para o mercado mundial – permitiu selecionar as variáveis independentes mais significativas em termos de influência sobre a ocorrência de inovação em micro e pequenas empresas. Com base nessas mesmas correlações, foram elaboradas regressões logísticas (logit), nas quais as variáveis dependentes escolhidas foram as quatro variáveis caracterizadoras do tipo e da abrangência da inovação acima mencionadas, e as variáveis independentes foram selecionadas dentre aquelas com maior poder explicativo sobre a ocorrência de inovação. Foram tomadas as devidas precauções para evitar a ocorrência de multicolinearidade nas regressões. Os resultados das regressões, analisados à luz da revisão bibliográfica, revelam a importância das variáveis independentes para a ocorrência de inovação em micro e pequenas empresas, e ajudam nas reflexões sobre possíveis melhorias nas políticas de estímulo à inovação tecnológica em micro e pequenas empresas. / This research aims to identify which factors influence the technological innovation in micro and small businesses in Brazil, through the analysis of secondary data from the Survey of Technological Innovation (PINTEC 2008), conducted by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) at 16,371 companies in selected industries and services. To that end, we made statistical modeling of micro-data on the sub-sample formed by the 3,092 micro and small businesses surveyed by PINTEC 2008. The analysis of correlations between the variables that influence innovation and four variables that characterize the type and scope of technological innovation – product innovation for the domestic market, product innovation to the world market, process innovation for the domestic market, process innovation for the global market – allowed to select the most significant independent variables in terms of influence on the occurrence of innovation in micro and small enterprises. Based on these same correlations were developed logistic regressions (logit), in which the dependent variables chosen were the four variables characterizing the type and the scope of innovation mentioned above, and the independent variables were selected from those with greater explanatory power on the occurrence of innovation. Precautions have been taken to prevent occurrence of multicollinearity in the regressions. The results of the regressions, examined under the light of the literature review, reveal the importance of the independent variables for the occurrence of innovation in micro and small enterprises, and help in discussions about possible improvements in policies to stimulate technological innovation in micro and small enterprises. / Dissertação (mestrado) - Fundação Getúlio Vargas, Escola de Administração de Empresas de São Paulo, São Paulo, 2011. / Bibliografia: p. 255-273 / Inclui notas de rodapé

This dissertation examines the role of public investments in inducing small firms to develop risky, early-stage technologies. It contributes to expanding our understanding of the consequences of research, innovation, and entrepreneurship policies and programs by investigating in more depth the effect of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program on the innovation effort, ability to attract external capital, and other metrics of post-entry performance of small business start-ups using a new sample and estimation approach. Unlike prior R&D subsidy studies that concentrated almost exclusively on European countries, this dissertation focused on small business start-ups in the United States using a new scientific survey of new firms. It integrated the Kauffman Firm Survey (KFS) from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation with the SBIR recipient dataset from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and used advances in statistical matching to achieve better comparability between the treated and control groups of small business start-ups. The integrated KFS-SBA dataset, which contains both recipient and non-recipient small firms, and statistical matching allowed us to empirically construct the counterfactual outcomes of SBIR recipients. This dissertation balanced the pre-treatment characteristics of SBIR recipients and non-recipients through propensity score matching (PSM). It constructed the comparison sample by identifying non-recipients with nearly identical propensity scores as those of SBIR recipients. Consistent with the propensity score theorem, observations with the same distribution of propensity scores have the same distribution of observable characteristics. PSM made the comparison and treatment samples homogenous except in SBIR program exposure, making the fundamental assumption of ignorability of treatment assignment more plausible. Using the realized outcomes of observationally similar non-recipient start-ups as the counterfactual outcomes of SBIR recipients, we found empirical evidence of the input additionality effect of the SBIR program. Had they not applied for and granted SBIR R&D subsidies, recipient start-ups would have spent only $185,000 in R&D, but with SBIR their R&D effort was significantly increased to $663,000, on average. The treatment effects analyses also found a significant positive effect of SBIR on innovation propensity and employment. However, it appears that public co-financing of commercial R&D has crowded-out privately financed R&D of small business start-ups in the United States. A dollar of SBIR subsidy decreased firm-financed R&D by about $0.16. Contrary to prior SBIR studies, we did not find any significant "halo effect" or "certification effect" of receiving an SBIR award on attracting external capital. However, we discovered a different certification effect of the SBIR program: SBIR grantees are more likely to attract external patents. This finding also confirms that innovation requires a portfolio of internal and external knowledge assets as theorized by David Teece and his colleagues. This dissertation's empirical results may be relevant to the Small Business Administration, SBIR participating agencies, the U.S. Congress, other federal, state and local policymakers, small high-tech start-ups, and scholars in the field of science, technology, and innovation policy.

CAPES / O desenvolvimento das organizações, face a um ambiente crescentemente competitivo, se vê diante de desafios que crescem em escala acelerada. Assim, a inovação tecnológica se constitui como um importante instrumento na manutenção de um perfil competitivo para as organizações. Dentro desta questão, existem muitas ferramentas que auxiliam na obtenção de índices de inovação. No entanto, o ponto central é que as empresas sejam capazes de implantar inovações de maneira sustentável e contínua, no sentido de incrementar suas atividades inovativas e assim melhorar seu prospecto competitivo. Observa-se, outrossim, que as empresas de pequeno porte são aquelas que apresentam as maiores dificuldades na sustentação deste processo, devido a uma série de fatores. Neste sentido, o objetivo central deste trabalho é propor uma metodologia de soluções e requisitos para o aumento do grau de inovações em micro e pequenas empresas. O levantamento de dados se traduz pela obtenção do diagnóstico, observando assim qual é o nível de inovação nas empresas pesquisadas, e obedecendo a determinados critérios, que serviram de parâmetro à consecução do objetivo central. Já a proposta de metodologia contempla níveis de comprometimento das organizações de acordo com as atividades de inovação descritas, ou seja, identifica em qual nível a empresa se encontra (Levantamento; Seleção de idéias; Apropriação de recursos e Execução). Para facilitar a obtenção dos resultados, as atividades foram agrupadas em seis (6) dimensões de estudo. Tais atividades foram formuladas seguindo parâmetros descritos pelo Manual de Oslo e pela bibliografia consultada. Por meio de tabelas e figuras indicando a localização das empresas em cada dimensão, é possível identificar quais itens devem ser melhorados dentro dos quatro (4) níveis de atividade e assim oferecer a proposta de requisitos. Os resultados apontaram que as empresas pesquisadas possuem, em grande parte, níveis médios de evolução das atividades descritas, indicando a falta de entendimento da importância das atividades, e a dificuldade em compreender como as atividades descritas se coadunam com os objetivos de inovação. Não obstante, foi possível operacionar a proposta, demonstrando assim como as fases são aplicadas. / The development of organizations, due to an increasing competitive environment, faces challenges which grow in an accelerated rate. Thus, the technological innovation appears as an important instrument in the maintenance of a competitive scenario inthe organizations. When analysing the question, it can be observed that there are many tools tohelp obtaining the innovation indexes. However, the focal point is that companies be capable of developing innovation in a continuous and sustainable way, towards the increase in their innovative activities and the improvement of their competitive performance. It can also be observed that the micro enterprises show the major difficulties concerning the development of such process, due to many factors. Thus, the central objective of this study is to propose a methodology of solutions and requisites, aiming to increase the innovation degree in micro and small enterprises. The data collection is represented by the diagnosis, observing the degree of innovation within the researched companies, obeying to specific criteria, which also served as a parameter to the execution of the main objective. The proposition of the model shows some degrees of commitment of the organizations, concerning the innovation activities described. In other words, it identifies in which level the companies are located. (Looking for ideas, Selection of ideas, Gathering of resources; Execution). To facilitate the data collection, the activities were divided in six (6) dimensions. Such activities were formulated following parameters described by the Oslo Manual –Guidelines for Collecting and Interpreting Innovation Data, and the researched literature. Through the use of tables and figures indicating the localization of the companies in each dimension, it is possible to identify which items must be improved within the four (4) activity levels, then offering the proposition of requisites. The results showed that the researched companies have medium levels of evolution concerning the described activities, highlighting the lack of understanding on the importance of the activities. Notwithstanding, it was possible to operationalize the proposition, showing how the phases are applied.

CAPES / O desenvolvimento das organizações, face a um ambiente crescentemente competitivo, se vê diante de desafios que crescem em escala acelerada. Assim, a inovação tecnológica se constitui como um importante instrumento na manutenção de um perfil competitivo para as organizações. Dentro desta questão, existem muitas ferramentas que auxiliam na obtenção de índices de inovação. No entanto, o ponto central é que as empresas sejam capazes de implantar inovações de maneira sustentável e contínua, no sentido de incrementar suas atividades inovativas e assim melhorar seu prospecto competitivo. Observa-se, outrossim, que as empresas de pequeno porte são aquelas que apresentam as maiores dificuldades na sustentação deste processo, devido a uma série de fatores. Neste sentido, o objetivo central deste trabalho é propor uma metodologia de soluções e requisitos para o aumento do grau de inovações em micro e pequenas empresas. O levantamento de dados se traduz pela obtenção do diagnóstico, observando assim qual é o nível de inovação nas empresas pesquisadas, e obedecendo a determinados critérios, que serviram de parâmetro à consecução do objetivo central. Já a proposta de metodologia contempla níveis de comprometimento das organizações de acordo com as atividades de inovação descritas, ou seja, identifica em qual nível a empresa se encontra (Levantamento; Seleção de idéias; Apropriação de recursos e Execução). Para facilitar a obtenção dos resultados, as atividades foram agrupadas em seis (6) dimensões de estudo. Tais atividades foram formuladas seguindo parâmetros descritos pelo Manual de Oslo e pela bibliografia consultada. Por meio de tabelas e figuras indicando a localização das empresas em cada dimensão, é possível identificar quais itens devem ser melhorados dentro dos quatro (4) níveis de atividade e assim oferecer a proposta de requisitos. Os resultados apontaram que as empresas pesquisadas possuem, em grande parte, níveis médios de evolução das atividades descritas, indicando a falta de entendimento da importância das atividades, e a dificuldade em compreender como as atividades descritas se coadunam com os objetivos de inovação. Não obstante, foi possível operacionar a proposta, demonstrando assim como as fases são aplicadas. / The development of organizations, due to an increasing competitive environment, faces challenges which grow in an accelerated rate. Thus, the technological innovation appears as an important instrument in the maintenance of a competitive scenario inthe organizations. When analysing the question, it can be observed that there are many tools tohelp obtaining the innovation indexes. However, the focal point is that companies be capable of developing innovation in a continuous and sustainable way, towards the increase in their innovative activities and the improvement of their competitive performance. It can also be observed that the micro enterprises show the major difficulties concerning the development of such process, due to many factors. Thus, the central objective of this study is to propose a methodology of solutions and requisites, aiming to increase the innovation degree in micro and small enterprises. The data collection is represented by the diagnosis, observing the degree of innovation within the researched companies, obeying to specific criteria, which also served as a parameter to the execution of the main objective. The proposition of the model shows some degrees of commitment of the organizations, concerning the innovation activities described. In other words, it identifies in which level the companies are located. (Looking for ideas, Selection of ideas, Gathering of resources; Execution). To facilitate the data collection, the activities were divided in six (6) dimensions. Such activities were formulated following parameters described by the Oslo Manual –Guidelines for Collecting and Interpreting Innovation Data, and the researched literature. Through the use of tables and figures indicating the localization of the companies in each dimension, it is possible to identify which items must be improved within the four (4) activity levels, then offering the proposition of requisites. The results showed that the researched companies have medium levels of evolution concerning the described activities, highlighting the lack of understanding on the importance of the activities. Notwithstanding, it was possible to operationalize the proposition, showing how the phases are applied.

Small-scale Business Enterprises (SBEs) lack proper mechanisms for supporting the provision and access to business information that can nurture their development in Kenya. This study investigated the role that public libraries could play in supporting the development of SBEs in Meru County with a view to developing a model that would enable public libraries to effectively support the development of SBEs. The study used the pragmatic paradigm to explore the identified phenomena. It applied the mixed methods approach and survey research design; collected data from 355 SBEs, 21 staff from three public libraries and two staff from the enterprise development unit of Meru County. Data was collected using questionnaires, interviews and document analysis. The response rate was 83.4% and 95% for SBEs and public library staff respectively. The descriptive and inferential statistics were used with the help of SPSS and Excel. Thematic analysis was applied on qualitative data. The study found that the factors that influence the development of SBEs are anchored in the environmental, cultural and personality factors of SBEs. SBEs have a myriad of business information needs which are sector-specific and cut across all the stages of business development. To fulfil these needs, most SBEs consult informal information sources and places. Technology-related tools were a popular means of accessing business information. Public libraries were poorly stocked with business information sources while business information services were in a desolate state. The study concludes that public libraries have facilitative and functional roles of providing business information solutions to SBEs by collaborating with like- minded stakeholders. The availability and accessibility of business information sources and services at public libraries is critical in addressing the information needs of SBEs. The study recommends repositioning of public libraries as business community development centres by providing value-based information sources and services. Public libraries need to revise their collection development policy, increase budget allocation, establish business information centres, seek partnerships, improve ICT facilities, ensure adequate staffing, engage business services librarians, open more libraries and widen their business outreach activities for effective support of SBEs. Policy framework and support systems for symmetrical access to business information, and entrepreneurial training for SBEs and for public library staff are needed. The proposed model of public library’s support for the development of SBEs is valuable and contribute to knowledge in business development. / Information Science / D. Litt. et Phil. (Information Science)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY<p><p>This thesis aims at analysing some aspects of Venture Capital (VC) and high-tech entrepreneurship. The focus is both at the macroeconomic level, comparing venture capital from an international point of view and Technology-Based Small Firms (TBSF) at company and founder’s level in Belgium. The approach is mainly empirical.<p>This work is divided into two parts. The first part focuses on venture capital. First of all, we test the impact of VC on productivity. We then identify the determinants of VC and we test their impact on the relative level of VC for a panel of countries.<p>The second part concerns the technology-based small firms in Belgium. The objective is twofold. It first aims at creating a database on Belgian TBSF to better understand the importance of entrepreneurship. In order to do this, a national survey was developed and the statistical results were analysed. Secondly, it provides an analysis of the role of universities in the employment performance of TBSF.<p>A broad summary of each chapter is presented below.<p><p>PART 1: VENTURE CAPITAL<p><p>The Economic Impact of Venture Capital<p><p>The objective of this chapter is to perform an evaluation of the macroeconomic impact of venture capital. The main assumption is that VC can be considered as being similar in several respects to business R&D performed by large firms. We test whether VC contributes to economic growth through two main channels. The first one is innovation, characterized by the introduction of new products, processes or services on the market. The second one is the development of an absorptive capacity. These hypotheses are tested quantitatively with a production function model for a panel data set of 16 OECD countries from 1990 to 2001. The results show that the accumulation of VC is a significant factor contributing directly to Multi-Factor Productivity (MFP) growth. The social rate of return to VC is significantly higher than the social rate of return to business or public R&D. VC has also an indirect impact on MFP in the sense that it improves the output elasticity of R&D. An increased VC intensity makes it easier to absorb the knowledge generated by universities and firms, and therefore improves aggregate economic performance.<p><p>Technological Opportunity, Entrepreneurial Environment and Venture Capital Development<p><p>The objective of this chapter is to identify the main determinants of venture capital. We develop a theoretical model where three main types of factors affect the demand and supply of VC: macroeconomic conditions, technological opportunity, and the entrepreneurial environment. The model is evaluated with a panel dataset of 16 OECD countries over the period 1990-2000. The estimates show that VC intensity is pro-cyclical - it reacts positively and significantly to GDP growth. Interest rates affect the VC intensity mainly because the entrepreneurs create a demand for this type of funding. Indicators of technological opportunity such as the stock of knowledge and the number of triadic patents affect positively and significantly the relative level of VC. Labour market rigidities reduce the impact of the GDP growth rate and of the stock of knowledge, whereas a minimum level of entrepreneurship is required in order to have a positive effect of the available stock of knowledge on VC intensity.<p><p>PART 2: TECHNOLOGY-BASED SMALL FIRMS<p><p>Survey in Belgium<p><p>The first purpose of this chapter is to present the existing literature on the performance of companies. In order to get a quantitative insight into the entrepreneurial growth process, an original survey of TBSF in Belgium was launched in 2002. The second purpose is to describe the methodology of our national TBSF survey. This survey has two main merits. The first one lies in the quality of the information. Indeed, most of national and international surveys have been developed at firm-level. There exist only a few surveys at founder-level. In the TBSF database, information both at firm and at entrepreneur-level will be found.<p>The second merit is about the subject covered. TBSF survey tackles the financing of firms (availability of public funds, role of venture capitalists, availability of business angels,…), the framework conditions (e.g. the quality and availability of infrastructures and communication channels, the level of academic and public research, the patenting process,…) and, finally, the socio-cultural factors associated with the entrepreneurs and their environment (e.g. level of education, their parents’education, gender,…).<p><p>Statistical Evidence<p><p>The main characteristics of companies in our sample are that employment and profits net of taxation do not follow the same trend. Indeed, employment may decrease while results after taxes may stay constant. Only a few companies enjoy a growth in both employment and results after taxes between 1998 and 2003.<p>On the financing front, our findings suggest that internal finance in the form of personal funds, as well as the funds of family and friends are the primary source of capital to start-up a high-tech company in Belgium. Entrepreneurs rely on their own personal savings in 84 percent of the cases. Commercial bank loans are the secondary source of finance. This part of external financing (debt-finance) exceeds the combined angel funds and venture capital funds (equity-finance).<p>On the entrepreneur front, the preliminary results show that 80 percent of entrepreneurs in this study have a university degree while 42 percent hold postgraduate degrees (i.e. master’s, and doctorate). In term of research activities, 88 percent of the entrepreneurs holding a Ph.D. or a post-doctorate collaborate with Belgian higher education institutes. Moreover, more than 90 percent of these entrepreneurs are working in a university spin-off.<p><p>The Contribution of Universities to Employment Growth<p><p>The objective of this chapter is to test whether universities play a role amongst the determinants of employment growth in Belgian TBSF. The empirical model is based on our original survey of 87 Belgian TBSF. The results suggest that both academic spin-offs and TBSF created on the basis of an idea originating from business R&D activities are associated with an above than average growth in employees. As most ‘high-tech’ entrepreneurs are at least graduated from universities, there is no significant impact of the level of education. Nevertheless, these results must be taken with caution, as they are highly sensitive to the presence of outliers. Young high-tech firms are by definition highly volatile, and might be therefore difficult to understand.<p><p>CONCLUSION<p><p>In this last chapter, recommendations for policy-makers are drawn from the results of the thesis. The possible interventions of governments are classified according to whether they influence the demand or the supply of entrepreneurship and/or VC. We present some possible actions such as direct intervention in the VC funds, interventions of public sector through labour market rigidities, pension system, patent and research policy, level of entrepreneurial activities, bankruptcy legislation, entrepreneurial education, development of university spin-offs, and creation of a national database of TBSF.<p> / Doctorat en Sciences économiques et de gestion / info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished

Many low-income countries desire to implement and adopt digital government as a springboard for economic and social development but face many challenges. The United Nations identifies that Africa has especially lagged consistently in digital government development and adoption. Most scholars largely attribute the challenges to infrastructure and skills, and often rhetorically cite culture as playing a strong role. This study specifically examined the role of indigenous African culture (‘spirituality’, ‘communalism’ and ‘respect for authority and elders’) and internet access on the adoption of digital government services (e-filing and e-payment of taxes) by Small and Micro Enterprises (SMEs) in Zambia, with the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technologies (UTAUT) as the underpinning theoretical lens. Data analysis was done using Structural Equation Modelling with principal attention given to the moderating and mediating influence of indigenous African culture. The influence of internet access on the intention to adopt digital government was also examined. The findings from the cross sectional study of 401 tax registered SMEs suggests that ‘spirituality’, ‘African communalism’ and ‘respect for authority and elders’ have significant negative moderating effects on the adoption of e-filing but not on e-payment; and ‘spirituality’, ‘African communalism’ and ‘respect for authority and elders’ are all significant mediators of the intention to adopt both e-filing and e-payment. This means that indigenous African culture plays a significant role in explaining Africa’s position in digital government development and adoption. The findings also showed a negative influence of internet access on the intention to adopt digital government services despite the measures that government has put in place. These results make a novel contribution to Information Systems (IS) theory in identifying a critical yet often overlooked indigenous cultural influence on the adoption of digital innovations in low-income countries. The findings also calls for finding new or adapted IS theories that take into account such unique cultural constructs. The thesis recommends that the research is extended to other low-income countries as well as other contexts that exhibit strong indigenous cultural values. / School of Computing / Ph. D. (Information Systems)