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DETERMINISTIC FACTORS INFLUENCING GROWTH OF INNOVATION HUBS IN THE ICT SECTOR IN KENYA
Dorothy Wanjiru Gachugu Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology P. O. Box 62000 – 00200 Nairobi, Kenya & Kimani Ndegwa Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology P. O. Box 62000 – 00200 Nairobi, Kenya CITATION: Gachugu, W. D, & Ndegwa, k. Deterministic factors influencing growth of innovation hubs in the ICT sector in Kenya. International Journal of Arts and Entrepreneurship 4 (10), 63-78. Science, Technology and Innovation (ST&I) is one of the foundations for socio-economic transformation in the Kenya Vision 2030, enabling creation of new knowledge which plays a central role in wealth creation, social welfare and international competitiveness. In the 21st Century, innovation has been a subject of intense debate covering a range of issues; nature and forms of innovation, its sources, the role it plays in economic growth and development, and how to promote it. There is, however, considerable agreement on the need to nurture innovation, especially in developing countries; and one of the mechanisms is through the innovation hub. However, the challenges being faced by the few existing hubs in Kenya cloud their quest for sustainable growth. This study purposes to shed light on the drivers to success and sustainability of these hubs. A survey of eight hubs was done using descriptive research design. Correlation and Regression Analyses were employed to determine the relationships and their significance between variables; and research findings presented in, tables and charts. The study observe that Research and Development (R&D), Access to Funds, Partnerships and Collaborations, and Human Capital are critical to the success and growth of Innovation Hubs operating in the ICT sector in Kenya. Access to Funds, R&D capacity, and Government engagement for partnerships and/or collaborations are major challenges being faced by the hubs. Strategies; joint ventures, attracting angel investors, exploiting the funding opportunities availed by the government, and exploring product/service diversification are some of recommendations made. Key words: Innovation Hub, Growth, R&D, Access to Funds, Partnership and collaboration, Human Resource.
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