CHALLENGES FACED BY TECHNICAL-SKILL-BASED SMEIS IN DEVELOPING ECONOMIES: INSIGHTS FROM SOUTH-SOUTH NIGERIA

Authors

  • Gordon Monday Bubou
  • Emmanuel Emeka Ejmi-Eze
  • Akinleye Afolabi Ogungbemi
  • Festa Ndutimi Okrigwe

Abstract

The purpose of this paper was to identify the challenges of technical-skill-based small- and medium-sized entrepreneurs and industrialists (TS-SMEIs) in the South-South region of Nigeria. Adopting a mixed methodology, one hundred ninety-eight TS-SMEIs were surveyed. Over thirty focus group discussions consisting of craftsmen and artisan grouped were held. Like in other climes, SMEIs in South-South Nigeria are beset with many challenges including: inadequate institutional support, poor infrastructure, limited access to finance, low level of technology adoption, and insufficient innovation. However, contrary to previously held positions, TS-SMEIs listed lack of workspace as the most important impediment to their business success. Expanding technopreneurship ecosystem in South-South Nigeria will mean addressing many problems that current and potential TS-SMEIs face. We recommend the: provision of access to affordable financial services; building the technological infrastructure; supporting the entrepreneurial process; and building capacity of the TS-SMEIs. Lastly, this study provides an opportunity to gain insight directly from the voice of the TS-SMEIs in South-South Nigeria themselves, to understand better their needs, and make relevant recommendations for improvements. It is envisaged that this will lead to technology driven development of the region.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Downloads

How to Cite

Bubou, G. M., Ejmi-Eze, E. E., Ogungbemi, A. A., & Okrigwe, F. N. (2018). CHALLENGES FACED BY TECHNICAL-SKILL-BASED SMEIS IN DEVELOPING ECONOMIES: INSIGHTS FROM SOUTH-SOUTH NIGERIA. Journal of Technology Management and Technopreneurship (JTMT), 6(1), 47–64. Retrieved from https://jtmt.utem.edu.my/jtmt/article/view/5225

Issue

Section

Journal of Technology Management and Technopreneurship