ECOSYSTEM MAPPING OF INNOVATION ENTREPRENEURSHIP AT SOUTH AFRICAN TVETs

South Africa currently has 50 registered Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, with over 250 campuses spread nationwide. The number of learners enrolled in these colleges was estimated to be 452,277 in the 2021 academic year and increased to 518,584 students in 2023 (Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). It is essential to ensure that investment in this sector matches the increased demand and enrolment in TVET education, while also considering the current constraints and emerging opportunities, with technology innovation (tech innovation), and entrepreneurship becoming drivers of modern economies.

However, the lack of ecosystem data and data-mapping of tech innovation in the TVET sector makes it difficult to understand where the opportunities for enhancement of innovation lie. This hinders the growth potential of this sector to contribute to national development imperatives, and excludes TVET colleges from emerging technology and innovation entrepreneurial opportunities.

Mapping the tech innovation entrepreneurship ecosystem in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVETs) is important for creating an enabling environment that will spur technology development, adoption and diffusion.