Abstract:
This qualitative study aimed to explore how formal institutions promote entrepreneurship
development in the Tanzanian Higher Learning Institutions (HLIs) using the Sokoine University
of Agriculture (SUA) as a case study. It employed semi-structured individual interviews, focus
group discussions, and documentary review as data generation methods. Thematic analysis with
the help of Nvivo software was used to analyze the data, revealing insights from 73 respondents,
selected based on data saturation. The study applied the institutional theory as a theoretical lens to
frame both its methodology and findings interpretation. Results suggest that organized-functional,
active and interplaying formal institutions, including the HLIs’ charters, the policies (research and
development policy, innovation policy, and entrepreneurship development investment policy), and
the dedicated entrepreneurship development courses, play a crucial role in fostering
entrepreneurship development in HLIs in Tanzania. The study recommends aligning institutional
documents with entrepreneurship development and also ensuring coherence across these
instruments. |
