An Investigation of the Business Incubation Ecosystem of Botswana and India/Gujarat State

Abstract

The major objective of the Investigative research is to explore and study the incubation processes for the Indian State of Gujarat and Botswana. The Gujarat State has been accorded bestowal as the leader in enterprise development in India and has demonstrated a lot of prowess in Incubation. As a developing economy, Botswana has also started implementing the Incubation Model to foster entrepreneurship, albeit with little success. The study therefore wishes to establish and recognize the intricacies of the two countries’ incubation processes, their modus operandi as well as successes and challenges. The findings of the research will be used to identify areas of convergence from the two countries, as well as deduce recommendations for adoption of best practices for the two countries. Data was collected through Primary Data Collection, where a total of 14 questionnaires were distributed to practitioners in the Incubation Space from the two countries. In addition, Secondary data was utilized to get insights from different publications on the subject matter from the two countries. As a new phenomenon in Botswana, the Incubation process is still at its infancy and has not borne any desirable or tangible results. On the other hand, India has proven a great deal of success in the incubation process, owing to the deliberate actions by the Indian government policies and programs to support, nurture and advocate for growth of entrepreneurship through facilitation of innovation through incubation. Also, worth appreciating is the Incubation environment which has led to success as all stakeholders are playing their part to ensure successful enterprises. The adoption of the MAGIC philosophy (Market, Academia, Government, Industry and Community) is critical ingredient towards the success of the Incubation Model in India. It was therefore opportune for this investigative research to inform and recommend best practices for adoption by the Botswana government.