Formal Institutions In Enhancing Entrepreneurship Development In The Tanzanian Higher Learning Institutions.

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.