Entrepreneurial orientation and research in sub-Saharan Africa for sustainable development: Where to focus?

Abstract

The study asked for the most effective entrepreneurial orientation (EO) dimension(s) to boost the number of researchers for development. In essence, the study aimed to enhance the availability of potential researchers, not only for agriculture but also for other fields and professions. Binary logistic regression was employed using university student data to determine the most influential entrepreneurial dimension likely to produce potential researchers. Grade Point Average (GPA) was used to classify qualification while entrepreneurial orientation dimensions were the independent variables. Pro-activeness (OR = 11.3, 9.7 & 2.1), autonomy (OR = 5.3), persistence (OR = 4.0) and risk taking (OR = 3.7) are having significant likelihood of making potential researchers. Moreover, males are more likely to become potential researchers compared to females. The study informs that pro-activeness, autonomy, persistence and risk taking are the EO dimensions to be focused on, to be built and stressed in higher leaning to ensure research and development are supplied with enough potential researchers for sustainable development in agriculture, industrialization and other fields. Other EO dimensions have shown negative association and non-significant; thus require less attention.

Keywords

• Entrepreneurial orientation
• Pro-activeness
• Autonomy
• Persistence
• Potential researchers
• Sustainable development