Title: Techno-entrepreneurship - pathway to sustainable business performance: empirical evidence from SMEs in Ogun state, Nigeria

Authors: Ola Olusegun Oyedele; Mutiu Adebowale Oyero

Addresses: Department of Entrepreneurial Studies, College of Entrepreneurial and Development Studies, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Alabata, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria ' Department of Entrepreneurial Studies, College of Entrepreneurial and Development Studies, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Alabata, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract: This study examines how techno-entrepreneurship, measured as Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) and Research, Development and Innovation (R, D & I), impacts sustainable business performance in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). A random sample of 126 respondents was taken from purposively selected agro-businesses for a survey and responses were analysed using linear regression. The study results demonstrate significant and positive impact of technopreneurship on the profitability and earned revenue of SMEs, thus suggesting a technopreneurship model - nexus of drivers, constructs and prospects - as a solution to drive sustainable business performance. Based on findings, the study recommends that businesses should possess or sell and commercialise IPRs and practice open innovation (R, D & I). Finally, policy makers - primarily the government - should formulate and implement supportive policies, strategies and as well create an enabling environment for technopreneurship to thrive, towards growth of SMEs and the larger economy.

Keywords: IPRs; intellectual property rights; R,D&I; research; development and innovation; knowledge transfer; commercialisation; business performance; SMEs; small and medium enterprises; growth; science and technology; government; Nigeria.

DOI: 10.1504/WREMSD.2022.125632

World Review of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development, 2022 Vol.18 No.5/6, pp.545 - 565

Received: 04 Jul 2020
Accepted: 01 Nov 2020
Published online: 18 Sep 2022 *

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