Knowledge creation and human capital for development: the role of graduate entrepreneurship

Abstract

PurposeTackling structural and emergent problems in the labour market, valorising skilled human capital (HC) for opportunity creation, economic development and growth, are some of the key drivers for graduate entrepreneurship. This paper aims to examine developments in Africa, focusing on the significance of improving human capital through graduate entrepreneurship to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachBased on a unique Education Partnerships in Africa (EPA) project the paper adopts a conceptual and exploratory approach to understand the institutional, cultural and economic dimensions of change and the specific role of graduate entrepreneurship education and training in enabling productive outcomes, using an illustrative case study of the project to develop the arguments.FindingsKnowledge creation lies at the heart of entrepreneurship development in developing economies such as Nigeria. Knowledge creation (KC) for entrepreneurship (E) is based on human capital (HC) development. In circumstances of uneven growth in developing economies HC development is the only constant. Harnessing HC for entrepreneurship can be based on three sets of propositions derived from an examination of the relationship between KC, HC and E, which locate graduate entrepreneurship's role within a holistic, institutional framework.Originality/valueThe paper's originality lies in the development of a model for promoting and evaluating a holistic approach to graduate entrepreneurship in developing countries based on the targeting of MDGs. It offers new insights into the role of graduate entrepreneurship in economic and social development.

Analyzing the Influence of Gender Stereotypes and Social Norms on Female IT Entrepreneurial Intention in Saudi Arabia

“…Finally, this study is also expected to contribute to the literature of knowledge creation. Universities play a critical role in the production of knowledge needed for entrepreneurship [43]. It contributes to enhance women's knowledge, which can significantly increase IT entrepreneurial intention.…”

¿El emprendimiento como estrategia para el desarrollo humano y social?

“…(Z. J. Acs et al, 2012;Fontenele, De Moura, & Leocadio, 2011;Madsen, Neergaard, & Ulhøi, 2003;Mitra, Abubakar, & Sagagi, 2011;Qian, Acs, & Stough, 2013).…”

“…Una vez que participan en el proceso emprendedor, estos individuos también deben tener capacidad superior en la explotación de oportunidades de éxito. (Davidsson & Honig, 2003) Por lo tanto, a pesar de que la teoría del capital humano asume su importancia para impulsar el espíritu empresarial, algunos sesgos pueden surgir, dependiendo de las características culturales de los individuos (e.g., un individuo con una sólida formación educativa puede ser influenciado al empleo formal y se desalienta a asumir riesgos, mientras que otro individuo con menos formación será más propensos a participar en actividades comerciales en busca de ascenso social, la exactitud compensar la falta de inversión en capital humano formal) (Mitra et al, 2011; Z. J. Acs & Armington, 2004).…”

The relevance of human capital to firm performance: A focus on the retail industry in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

“…This study is important when considering that in many African countries, such as South Africa, Nigeria and Ghana, governments have introduced policies not only to encourage entrepreneurship but also to increase or create more human capital so that entrepreneurship can flourish (Mitra, Abubakar & Sagagi 2011;Saffu et al 2008). Indeed, Oluwatobi and Ogunrinola (2011) argue that human capital is one of the most important factors that is accountable for the wealth of nations and that human capital needs to be strategically cultivated and positioned for the preservation of both the present and the future economic growth and development of a country.…”