An Investigative Study into Perspectives and Experiences of Incubates at the Chandaria Business Innovation and Incubation Centre at the Kenyatta University

Abstract

The study presents results from an investigative study undertaken at the Kenyatta University (KU) Chandaria Business Innovation and Incubation Centre. A total of 10 incubates representing 10 projects were engaged in face to face interviews. The incubates were appreciative of the value that incubation centre such as the one at KU contributed to stimulation and nurturing of innovation and creativity. The findings from the study re-affirms the role of incubation centres play as social capital networking platforms, providing access to infrastructure (space and equipment), access to seed funding,  expertise, mentorship,  leveraging access to markets, business skills development. The study findings identified areas that need attention which include improvement and re-alignment of general curriculum towards innovation and creativity. This approach thus departs from the pro left brain approach balancing with a right brain approach promoting creativity and innovation.

Keywords: University Industry Linkages, 21^st Century Knowledge Economy, Knowledge Management, Scientific Management, Evidence Based Practice, International Economics, Business Incubation