The Essence of Academic Entrepreneurship: Application to Chinhoyi University of Technology Thrust

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.