Knowledge acquisition inhibitors faced by incubator tenants in their endeavour to acquire knowledge in university incubation centres in Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to analyze critically Knowledge acquisition inhibitors faced by incubator tenants in their endeavour to acquire knowledge in university incubation centres in Kenya. The methodology for the study is mixed methods including Document analysis, interviews, administration and analysis of questionnaires to obtain data from incubation centres in Kenyatta University and Strathmore University. The study revealed that the tenants of incubation centres faced challenges of inadequate skills and knowledge, lack of technology, inadequate funding, lack of access to business networks and inadequate access to investors. The paper has significant theoretical, policy, and practical implications. From a theoretical perspective, the study finds that tenants in university business incubation centres have capacity gaps that need to be addressed if they have to be effective in their roles. From a policy perspective, the paper presents gaps that the policy makers need to address by providing frameworks and policies in order to ensure that the university business incubation centres perform their roles as expected.