Financial Viability & Social Impact Framework: Enhancing the Sustainability of University-Led Incubation Centers (ULICs) in Balochistan
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54536/jebs.v2i1.7181Keywords:
Balochistan, Entrepreneurship, Financial Viability, Social Impact, University-Led Incubation Centers, UoB-BICAbstract
The research aims to analyze the sustainability of the incubation centers established by the universities in the province of Balochistan. The financial viability and social impact model for the sustainability of the University-Led Incubation Centers (ULICs) in Balochistan province is discussed. A mixed methodology approach is used in the research. The qualitative approach is used for the research. The semi-structured interviews are conducted with the incubation center and university employees, incubatees, entrepreneurs, government representatives, and industry experts. The two themes in the thematic approach are barriers to sustainability and alignment/impact strategies. “Institutional Rigidities, Financial, and Operational Inefficiencies” are the sub-themes used for the sustainability aspect. Relevance and deep structural autonomy are the two themes used in strategic alignment. The data was collected through a structured questionnaire on stakeholders within incubation centers and was analyzed through regression analysis. Financial viability emerged as the weakest and most important determinant, thereby validating concerns of grant dependency. The size of social impact orientation has a major influence on the performance of incubation centers. The engagement and participation of stakeholders and institutions promote sustainability performance. The sustainability of incubation centers was concluded to be dependent on financial diversification and management, integration of the incubator within the networks of local stakeholders, and institutional policies.
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