University in the Context of Entrepreneurship. Case Studies of Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University and Bindura University of Science Education

Abstract

Across the globe, universities are undergoing massive transformation, moving beyond their traditional roles of teaching, research and community engagement to innovation and entrepreneurship as core of their mission. In Zimbabwe, this is critical, given the economic challenges the country is facing. This study examines the entrepreneurial capabilities of the Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University (ZEGU) and the Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE) using the Higher Education (HE) Innovate framework which assesses the entrepreneurial and innovative capacity of higher education institutions. The study uses a qualitative approach. Purposive sampling was used to select participants from each university, including administrators, faculty members and students involved in entrepreneurship activities. Data was collected through semistructured interviews and document analysis of institutional strategic plans and entrepreneurship programmes. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis which allowed for identification of patterns and themes across the HE Innovate dimensions. However, there were gaps noted in measuring impact and organisational capacity, with no systems in place to track and evaluate outcomes of entrepreneurial activities. The study recommends that Zimbabwean universities strengthen their entrepreneurial ecosystems by supporting start-ups, refining leadership strategies and measuring entrepreneurial impacts. Recommendations include deeper collaboration with external stakeholders and organisational structures that are conducive to entrepreneurship. Future research could explore how these universityled initiatives impact on local economic development and the role of government policies in supporting entrepreneurship in higher education.