Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Ghana: Enterprising Africa

• Published in: Small business economics Vol. 32; no. 3; pp. 331 - 350
• Main Authors: Robson, Paul J. A., Haugh, Helen M., Obeng, Bernard Acquah
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Boston Springer 01.03.2009; Springer US; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Business and Management; Business development; Business growth; Business innovation; Business structures; Competitive advantage; Correlation analysis; Developing countries; Development economics; Economic activity; Economic development; Economic growth; Education; Employment; Entrepreneurs; Entrepreneurship; Ghana; Human capital; Industrial Organization; Industrialized nations; Innovation; Innovations; LDCs; Management; Microeconomics; Product innovation; R&D; Research & development; Small & medium sized enterprises-SME; Small businesses; Social innovation; Studies; Technological change; Technological innovation; Upper class; Work organization; Ghana; L26; Innovation; Ghana; Entrepreneurship
• ISSN: 0921-898X; 1573-0913
• DOI: 10.1007/s11187-008-9121-2

This study adopts a multi-level theoretical framework to examine data from 496 entrepreneurs in Ghana. Seven types of innovation activity are analysed against three categories of variables: the characteristics of the entrepreneur, the internal competencies of the firm, and firm location. Across all respondents, the incidence of incremental innovation was far greater than novel innovation. The extent of innovation was related to the education level of the entrepreneur. Firm size and involvement in exporting were positively related to innovation, but firm growth is less systematically so. Innovation was greater in firms located in conurbations compared to firms located in large and small towns. We conclude with suggestions for policy to promote entrepreneurship and innovation in Ghana.