Developing an ICT-based Platform to Support Entrepreneurial Networking and Mentorship

Thesis Abstract

Entrepreneurial success increasingly depends on effective networking and access to mentorship, yet existing mechanisms for facilitating these connections remain fragmented and underutilized, particularly in developing economies where entrepreneurial ecosystems are still emerging. This study aims to design, develop, and evaluate an ICT-based platform tailored to enhance entrepreneurial networking and mentorship opportunities, thereby addressing the persistent gaps in connectivity, resource sharing, and professional guidance among entrepreneurs. The specific objectives include to investigate the critical features and user requirements for the platform, assess the technological feasibility and usability, and evaluate its potential impact on entrepreneurial activity and growth. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the study integrates qualitative explorations with quantitative validation. The qualitative component involves conducting semi-structured interviews with 30 entrepreneurs, mentors, and industry experts to identify core functionalities and usability considerations, analyzed through thematic analysis to extract key themes and user expectations. The quantitative phase involves administering a structured survey to 200 entrepreneurs across three regions, with stratified random sampling to ensure diversity by industry sector and enterprise maturity. Data collection instruments include a validated questionnaire assessing perceived platform usefulness, usability, and potential impact, alongside system prototypes subjected to usability testing. The data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics, regression analysis to examine the relationship between platform features and perceived utility, and factor analysis to identify underlying constructs influencing user acceptance. The study anticipates identifying critical success factors such as ease of access, trustworthiness, interactive features, and scalability that influence entrepreneurs’ adoption of the platform. It is expected that the ICT-based solution will significantly improve the frequency and quality of networking interactions, facilitate mentorship matching, and foster knowledge sharing, thereby ultimately enhancing entrepreneurial performance and innovation. The platform’s design will incorporate iterative feedback from target users, ensuring alignment with entrepreneurial needs and technological trends. The theoretical frameworks underpinning this research are the Social Capital Theory, which emphasizes the value of networks and relationships in entrepreneurial success, and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), which guides understanding of factors affecting technology adoption. The integration of these theories offers insights into how technological attributes influence social capital development within entrepreneurial contexts. This research contributes novel insights into digital interventions aimed at strengthening entrepreneurial ecosystems, especially within resource-constrained settings, by providing a transferable ICT platform design grounded in empirical user requirements. It also extends existing literature on technology-mediated mentorship and networking by demonstrating the practical impact of tailored digital solutions on entrepreneurial outcomes. The main conclusion underscores that an ICT-driven platform can be a strategic tool to facilitate sustained entrepreneurial connectivity and mentorship, leading to tangible improvements in business growth and innovation. Recommendations include scaling the platform’s deployment across broader regional contexts, integrating advanced features such as AI-driven matchmaking, and establishing policy frameworks to support digital entrepreneurial ecosystems. The study advocates for continuous user-centered development and iterative evaluation to adapt the platform to evolving entrepreneurial needs, fostering sustainable entrepreneurial development through technological innovation.