Abstract

FRANCKE, Errol  and  ALEXANDER, Bennett. Entrepreneurial development in South Africa through innovation: A model for poverty alleviation. Acta Commer. [online]. 2019, vol.19, n.1, pp.1-11. ISSN 1684-1999.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/ac.v19i1.631.

ORIENTATION: The development agency could be equipped with a model that will assist them in supporting mobile application development entrepreneurs towards enhanced competitiveness that could assist in alleviating poverty and reducing economic inequality RESEARCH PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to explore the evolution of a model to support mobile application development entrepreneurs towards enhanced competitiveness MOTIVATION FOR THE STUDY: This study was motivated by the views on black economic empowerment where little has been done to impact the lives of black people on a larger scale. Broader participation of black people in the formal economy is required to achieve sustainable development and prosperity. Studies suggest that innovation through technology transfer is regarded as a contributor to economic growth. RESEARCH DESIGN, APPROACH AND METHOD: This study adopted the Critical Realist Methodology Model via an inductive research approach. Focused interviews with academics, small and medium-sized enterprises in the innovation and technology industry and development agencies were conducted. MAIN FINDINGS: There is business potential in mobile applications, but entrepreneurs have difficulty in commercialising these. They could be assisted with a model that would transform their applications into real business opportunities PRACTICAL/MANAGERIAL IMPLICATIONS: The antidote to disruptive innovation is a management response. What is required from management is that it needs to bring about a paradigm shift in the way that the whole notion of a business is remodelled. CONTRIBUTION/VALUE-ADD: This study reveals a multi-factorial strategy model in the form of the Disruptive Innovation State Response Model that could support mobile application development entrepreneurs towards enhanced competitiveness.

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