Catalysts of inclusive innovation : a multi-theoretical study of digital innovation hubs in Africa

Abstract

ORIENTATION : Africa continues to face structural challenges, including youth unemployment, digital exclusion and fragmented innovation ecosystems. Digital innovation hubs (DIHs) have emerged as strategic platforms that bridge these gaps by supporting entrepreneurship and digital transformation. RESEARCH PURPOSE : This study investigated how DIHs act as catalysts of inclusive innovation and economic development in Africa using a multitheoretical framework. MOTIVATION FOR THE STUDY : Despite their expanding presence, limited scholarly work explores the role of DIHs within African innovation systems. This study addresses that gap by assessing their ecosystemic, institutional and developmental contributions across diverse contexts. RESEARCH DESIGN, APPROACH AND METHOD : A qualitative, exploratory research design was adopted. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with DIH managers and startup founders across 12 African DIHs affiliated with the African European Digital Innovation Bridge Network initiative. Thematic analysis was used to derive insights into their structure, function and influence. MAIN FINDINGS : The study identified six thematic impact areas, namely startup empowerment, inclusive participation, ecosystem integration, transformative education, sustainability orientation and policy alignment. Digital innovation hubs serve not only as startup enablers but also as institutional anchors that facilitate knowledge exchange, derisk entrepreneurship, and expand access to digital tools and markets. PRACTICAL/MANAGERIAL IMPLICATIONS : The DIHs should be supported through sustained investment, policy integration and inclusive programming. Their role as conveners of public–private collaboration positions them as key agents of development. CONTRIBUTION/VALUE-ADD : By applying the Knowledge Spillover Theory of Entrepreneurship, Institutional Theory and Cluster Theory, this study offers a novel conceptual framing of DIHs in African contexts. It contributes empirical evidence and strategic insights for designing scalable and context-sensitive innovation ecosystems.