Abstract:
This paper seeks to analyse the essence of Academic entrepreneurship (AE) as the Entrepreneurial Model that
can guide the thrust and developmental strategic relevance of a University of Technology (UT) in Zimbabwe,
related universities in the region and world wide. It is noted that there has been a rapid increase in technology
based economic development initiatives, focused mainly on stimulating technological entrepreneurship in
universities via patenting, licensing, start-up creation, and university–industry partnerships which is the essence
of AE. The article begins with a background analysis of the mandate of Chinhoyi University of Technology
(CUT) as enshrined in the CUT Act (Chapter 25:23) as an example of a UT. A thorough literature review is done
and a survey was carried out of academic staff and senior administrative staff to check their knowledge and
supporting activities towards achieving the university mandate. Major findings were that while members of the
institution could recall off hand the mandate of the institution and sharing the same meaning of such key
concepts as innovation, they did not share the same meaning of such key terms as technology and wealthy
creation. It was also established that the differences in the interpretation of key concepts lead to different
activities on the ground. A process approach to academic entrepreneurship was recommended. Further research
and testing of the model was also recommended based on the discussion.
