Dissertation defence (Computer Science): MSc Emma Nkonoki
Time
25.4.2025 at 12.00 - 16.00
MSc Emma Nkonoki defends the dissertation in Computer Science titled “Fostering Inclusive Innovation by using ICT to empower Grassroots Entrepreneurs” at the University of Turku on 25 April 2025 at 12.00 (University of Turku, Agora, XX lecture hall, Turku).
Opponent: Professor Kari Smolander (LUT University)
Custos: Professor Ville Leppänen (University of Turku)
Doctoral Dissertation at UTUPub: https://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-02-0127-2
The audience can participate in the defence by remote access: https://utu.zoom.us/j/69097098257
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Summary of the Doctoral Dissertation:
This research examines how Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), innovation hubs, and ICT foster inclusive innovation and entrepreneurship in East Africa, focusing on Tanzania. It analyzes the impact of policies and institutional frameworks, identifying challenges, best practices, and gaps in Tanzanian innovation policies, with an emphasis on the role of innovation hubs in startup success and factors influencing the growth of tech enterprises in emerging districts.
A key contribution is refining entrepreneurship models for the East African context. The study investigates how HEIs drive innovation, from talent recruitment to startup creation, contributing to academic entrepreneurship and university-led innovation ecosystems. It also explores how ICT, particularly mobile solutions, empowers grassroots entrepreneurs, drives digital transformation, and supports the informal economy.
By bridging gaps between policy, practice, and theory, the research provides evidence-based recommendations for policymakers, innovation hubs, and universities to strengthen innovation ecosystems. It enhances discussions on inclusive innovation, digital transformation, and startup growth in emerging economies, emphasizing the importance of strong support networks and organizational interactions.
This study fills gaps in literature on inclusive innovation and grassroots entrepreneurship in East Africa, offering a developing-country perspective. It highlights the role of HEIs, innovation hubs, ICT, and policies in shaping entrepreneurial success in emerging tech ecosystems.
The study has significant policy, economic, academic, and practical impacts. It provides policymakers with recommendations for inclusive innovation policies, boosts startup growth, challenges Western models, and offers insights for building stronger support systems for entrepreneurs. Globally, it contributes to discussions on innovation in emerging economies, offering an alternative to the Silicon Valley model.
Opponent: Professor Kari Smolander (LUT University)
Custos: Professor Ville Leppänen (University of Turku)
Doctoral Dissertation at UTUPub: https://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-02-0127-2
The audience can participate in the defence by remote access: https://utu.zoom.us/j/69097098257
***
Summary of the Doctoral Dissertation:
This research examines how Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), innovation hubs, and ICT foster inclusive innovation and entrepreneurship in East Africa, focusing on Tanzania. It analyzes the impact of policies and institutional frameworks, identifying challenges, best practices, and gaps in Tanzanian innovation policies, with an emphasis on the role of innovation hubs in startup success and factors influencing the growth of tech enterprises in emerging districts.
A key contribution is refining entrepreneurship models for the East African context. The study investigates how HEIs drive innovation, from talent recruitment to startup creation, contributing to academic entrepreneurship and university-led innovation ecosystems. It also explores how ICT, particularly mobile solutions, empowers grassroots entrepreneurs, drives digital transformation, and supports the informal economy.
By bridging gaps between policy, practice, and theory, the research provides evidence-based recommendations for policymakers, innovation hubs, and universities to strengthen innovation ecosystems. It enhances discussions on inclusive innovation, digital transformation, and startup growth in emerging economies, emphasizing the importance of strong support networks and organizational interactions.
This study fills gaps in literature on inclusive innovation and grassroots entrepreneurship in East Africa, offering a developing-country perspective. It highlights the role of HEIs, innovation hubs, ICT, and policies in shaping entrepreneurial success in emerging tech ecosystems.
The study has significant policy, economic, academic, and practical impacts. It provides policymakers with recommendations for inclusive innovation policies, boosts startup growth, challenges Western models, and offers insights for building stronger support systems for entrepreneurs. Globally, it contributes to discussions on innovation in emerging economies, offering an alternative to the Silicon Valley model.
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