Exploring the influence of indigenous knowledge systems on entrepreneurial innovation: An emerging market perspectives in the context of South African women entrepreneurs

Abstract

This study explores the intersection of indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) and entrepreneurial innovation, focusing on South African women entrepreneurs. It examines how indigenous knowledge serves as a strategic resource in fostering innovation in emerging market settings. Research Purpose: The study investigates how women entrepreneurs in South Africa leverage indigenous knowledge to drive entrepreneurial innovation. It seeks to understand how these knowledge systems influence business practices, opportunity recognition, and innovation, particularly in environments where access to formal education and entrepreneurial resources is limited. Motivation for the Study: While entrepreneurship is widely acknowledged as a driver of economic development, mainstream literature often marginalises indigenous knowledge as an informal or peripheral factor. This study challenges that perspective by positioning IKS as a valuable asset in entrepreneurial innovation. Additionally, women’s entrepreneurial innovation remains underexplored in emerging markets, necessitating a deeper investigation into the mechanisms enabling their success. Research Approach/Design and Method: The study employs a qualitative research design, using semi-structured interviews with South African women entrepreneurs. Thematic analysis is used to identify key themes in the application of indigenous knowledge to business innovation. Effectuation theory serves as the theoretical framework, highlighting the role of existing knowledge, social networks, and adaptive decision-making in entrepreneurial innovation. Main Findings: Indigenous knowledge is a crucial enabler of innovation, providing women entrepreneurs with practical skills, market insights, and adaptive strategies that enhance business sustainability. The study identifies three key themes: (1) the role of inherited knowledge in shaping entrepreneurial practices, (2) adaptive business strategies and innovation driven by indigenous knowledge, and (3) the influence of socio-cultural dynamics on entrepreneurial decision-making. Practical/Managerial Implications: Recognising indigenous knowledge as a formal entrepreneurial resource can enhance business support frameworks, policy interventions, and entrepreneurship educational curricula. Policymakers and business development organisations should integrate indigenous knowledge into entrepreneurial training, to drive innovation and support programmes in attempts to foster economic growth. Contribution/Value-Add: The study contributes to entrepreneurial innovation literature by demonstrating how non-Western knowledge systems drive innovation in emerging markets. It expands effectuation theory by highlighting the role of indigenous knowledge in resource-limited entrepreneurial ecosystems. The findings offer practical insights for policymakers, educators, and business support institutions in fostering sustainable, locally driven innovation. (IKS) and entrepreneurial innovation, focusing on South African women entrepreneurs. It examines how indigenous knowledge serves as a strategic resource in fostering innovation in emerging market settings. Research Purpose: The study investigates how women entrepreneurs in South Africa leverage indigenous knowledge to drive entrepreneurial innovation. It seeks to understand how these knowledge systems influence business practices, opportunity recognition, and innovation, particularly in environments where access to formal education and entrepreneurial resources is limited. Motivation for the Study: While entrepreneurship is widely acknowledged as a driver of economic development, mainstream literature often marginalises indigenous knowledge as an informal or peripheral factor. This study challenges that perspective by positioning IKS as a valuable asset in entrepreneurial innovation. Additionally, women’s entrepreneurial innovation remains underexplored in emerging markets, necessitating a deeper investigation into the mechanisms enabling their success. Research Approach/Design and Method: The study employs a qualitative research design, using semi-structured interviews with South African women entrepreneurs. Thematic analysis is used to identify key themes in the application of indigenous knowledge to business innovation. Effectuation theory serves as the theoretical framework, highlighting the role of existing knowledge, social networks, and adaptive decision-making in entrepreneurial innovation. Main Findings: Indigenous knowledge is a crucial enabler of innovation, providing women entrepreneurs with practical skills, market insights, and adaptive strategies that enhance business sustainability. The study identifies three key themes: (1) the role of inherited knowledge in shaping entrepreneurial practices, (2) adaptive business strategies and innovation driven by indigenous knowledge, and (3) the influence of socio-cultural dynamics on entrepreneurial decision-making. Practical/Managerial Implications: Recognising indigenous knowledge as a formal entrepreneurial resource can enhance business support frameworks, policy interventions, and entrepreneurship educational curricula. Policymakers and business development organisations should integrate indigenous knowledge into entrepreneurial training, to drive innovation and support programmes in attempts to foster economic growth. Contribution/Value-Add: The study contributes to entrepreneurial innovation literature by demonstrating how non-Western knowledge systems drive innovation in emerging markets. It expands effectuation theory by highlighting the role of indigenous knowledge in resource-limited entrepreneurial ecosystems. The findings offer practical insights for policymakers, educators, and business support institutions in fostering sustainable, locally driven innovation.