Effect of Technology and Innovation on Entrepreneurship: Empirical Evidence from Women in Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Investment in technology and innovation is considered as a major factor of economic development  that places a nation at an advanced level. The effect of technology and innovation on  entrepreneurship for women in small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) was examined in this  study. A survey research design whereby primary data was collected by means of questionnaire in  eliciting information from 384 sample respondents selected through a purposive sampling technique  was adopted for the study. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive and inferential statistics  through frequency distribution tables and regression analysis. The research findings show that  technology and innovation played significant roles in supporting women in SMEs. In the analysis,  high and low levels in the weighting scale indicate the importance and challenge respectively, in  acquiring up-to-date technological and innovative capabilities by women operating in SMEs.  The  study recommends that government especially at the national level need to aid women entrepreneurs  in SMEs by providing the needed technology and infrastructure. In addition, these women  entrepreneurs need to make conscious efforts in acquiring technological skills, innovative ideas and  up-to-date technology needed to improve on their business capabilities.