Ecosystem and SMMEs’ Growth Trajectory

This book focuses on the innovative startup ecosystem within universities which combines research and practice from emerging and transitioning economies, offering a comprehensive look at how universities, governments, and communities co-create robust entrepreneurial ecosystems. With a special focus on Southeast Asia and Africa, the book explores how academic institutions can become launchpads for entrepreneurial ventures, especially in contexts where resources are limited but innovation is thriving. Spanning diverse themes such as regulatory challenges, incubation models, funding gaps, technology transfer, and regional development, this book includes empirical case studies and critical reflections that unpack the enabling and inhibiting factors shaping university-driven entrepreneurship. From Jakarta’s slum-based MSME incubation models to encrypted funding platforms in the digital age and from policy governance in South Africa to market access frameworks in Cambodia, each chapter offers grounded insights with global relevance.

Mayekiso Thoko was the former Vice Chancellor at the University of Mpumalanga. She is a registered Clinical Psychologist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. In her academic career, Prof Mayekiso has held positions of Senior Lecturer, Associate Professor, Professor, Head of Department, and Vice Dean at the then University of Transkei.

Ogujiuba Kanayo is working as Professor at the School of Development Studies, Faculty of Economics at the University of Mpumalanga. He is the Director of UMPCFERI and plays a significant role in cross-institutional collaboration and research, initiating activities, furthering research development, and innovation activities.

Angelina Seow Voon Yee began her career as an auditor and an chartered accountant, and she gained wide international exposure in accounting and auditing work while she was working in Australia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and Malaysia. She is currently a Professor and Director (Research Management) at Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU).

Muhammad Ehsan Rana is an academic professional with an extensive background spanning over 20 years in academic management, lecturing, and quality assurance. He is an Associate Professor at the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) Malaysia with over 150 Scopus-indexed publications across journals, conference proceedings, and book chapters.