Understanding Entrepreneurial Strategic Responses in the Nigerian IT Sector Fredrick Agboma Centre for Development Informatics University of Manchester, UK http://www.manchester.ac.uk/cdi Centre for Development Informatics

Research Overview Research Aim: Research Undertaken: To explore and put into perspective the key factors that drive entrepreneurial strategic responses in the IT sector of a DC Research Undertaken: A multi-level analysis that directs attention to understanding the relationship between national level competitiveness (using Porter’s Diamond), local industry structure (using Porter’s FFF) and entrepreneurial intentions (using Ajzen’s TPB) in IT-based enterprises. These levels of analysis are connected by incorporating an Institutional dimension to the analysis

Research Findings Academic Finding: Practical Recommendation: The failure of formal institutions means that entrepreneurs almost always fail to adhere to rational decision making processes, there is an over reliance on informal mechanisms of the institutional framework This suggests rich insights regarding how under an institutional umbrella, national level competitiveness, local industry structure and entrepreneurial intentions can both support and constrain the actions of Small IT-based enterprises in DCs Practical Recommendation: The value of the work here is in helping to understand the driving forces behind IT-based enterprise and thus the interventions that are appropriate to shape their nature and development path

Further Information Fredrick.Agboma@postgrad.manchester.ac.uk