This book explores the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship in higher education, showcasing how universities are becoming central players in regional innovation ecosystems. The central theme of this book is the innovative startup ecosystem in universities, with a particular focus on emerging and transitioning economies across Asia and Africa. Through a series of richly detailed chapters, this volume investigates how universities in countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, India, and South Africa contribute to economic development by nurturing startups, facilitating technology transfer, and establishing business incubators. Using case studies, process documentation research, and field-based evidence, the book captures both institutional innovations and policy-level engagements that foster entrepreneurship and support MSMEs in diverse sectors including agriculture, aquaculture, digital services, and renewable technologies.
By integrating theory with grounded practice, this book offers a rare glimpse into the operationalisation of innovation at the university level highlighting success stories, challenges, and lessons learned in fostering startup culture in non-Western contexts. It demonstrates how academic institutions are transforming into entrepreneurial hubs, driving social and economic transformation. The reader will gain both conceptual clarity and empirical depth regarding how universities can align research, teaching, and outreach missions with startup development.
About the Author :
Mayekiso Thoko is currently a Research Associate at the University of Mpumalanga and a Clinical Psychologist. She was the former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mpumalanga. She obtained a BA, BA Honours, and MA in Psychology from the University of Fort Hare. She furthered her studies at the Free University Berlin, in Germany, where she obtained her D. Phil (cum laude) in Psychology. She also holds a Higher Education Diploma (Postgraduate) from the University of South Africa. She is a registered Clinical Psychologist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. In her sterling 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, Development and Business Sciences at the University of Mpumalanga in South Africa at the University of Mpumalanga (UMP), South Africa. He is the Director of UMPCFERI and in the last three decades, Prof. Ogujiuba has played a significant role in cross-institutional collaboration and research, initiating activities, furthering research development, and innovation activities. He is also a Research Fellow at INTI International University in Malaysia and an Extraordinary Professor affiliated with the University of the Western Cape, South Africa.
Angelina Seow Voon Yee began her career as an auditor and an 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). She manages the Enterprise team, ASBX incubation centre, and research management centre in APU, including ranking and rating, protecting intellectual properties, automating processes etc. She is a chartered accountant and has obtained the ASEAN CPA recognition.
Muhammad Ehsan Rana is an academic professional with an extensive background spanning over 20 years in academic management, lecturing, and quality assurance. He holds a PhD in Software Engineering from Universiti Putra Malaysia and possesses additional qualifications including a PGD in Quality Management, an MSc in Mathematics, and a Master's degree in Computer Science. Currently serving as an Associate Professor at the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) Malaysia, Dr Muhammad Ehsan Rana is responsible for teaching, conducting research, and engaging with industry and professional bodies. He has an extensive research portfolio, with over 150 Scopus-indexed publications across journals, conference proceedings, and book chapters.
