Enhancing Small and Medium Enterprises Entrepreneurial Development through Triple Helix Collaboration: Evidence from Imo State, Nigeria.

Abstract:

This study examined the role of the Triple Helix model—comprising universities, industries, and government—in fostering the entrepreneurial development of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Imo State, Nigeria. The study aimed to investigate how collaboration among these three key actors influences SME innovation, growth, and competitiveness. The research employed a descriptive survey design, targeting 305 respondents, including SME owners/managers, government officials, and academic personnel across the three senatorial zones of Imo State. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed that university involvement, industry participation, and government support are all positively and significantly associated with entrepreneurial development of SMEs. Among these, university engagement had the greatest impact, highlighting the importance of knowledge transfer, research commercialization, and skills development. The study also identified challenges such as limited funding, weak industry–university linkages, and inconsistent policy implementation. The research concluded that synergistic interactions among Triple Helix actors are essential for innovation-driven SME growth in Imo State. The study recommends the institutionalization of Triple Helix frameworks, enhanced access to finance, and strengthened collaboration between academia, industry, and government to support sustainable entrepreneurial development. These findings provide critical insights for policymakers, educators, and industry stakeholders seeking to foster a robust SME ecosystem in Nigeria.