Expertise areas
Driving inclusive growth through skills, technology and entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship, innovation, and digital transformation are key drivers of inclusive economic growth. In emerging economies, building competitive businesses and future-ready workforces requires more than technical know-how, it demands an ecosystem approach that integrates skills, creativity, technology, and market access.
At MSM’s Expert Centre on Emerging Economies (ECEE), we empower institutions, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to unlock the full potential of innovation for sustainable development. Whether supporting incubators, advising on entrepreneurship education, or building digital capacity, we help partners turn ideas into impact.
What we offer
We support entrepreneurship and innovation development through four core areas:
- Entrepreneurship ecosystem building: We co-design local innovation hubs, entrepreneurship centres, and incubation programs that connect universities, industries, and public actors. Our work strengthens the enabling environment for startups and SMEs using the Triple Helix model.
- Entrepreneurial skills and employability: Through MSM’s Skills Development Framework, we offer training and consulting on practical, cross-cutting 21st-century labour market essential skills such as digital literacy, result orientation, self-motivation, entrepreneurship, leadership and management, tailored to the needs of the client.
- Innovation & knowledge valorisation: We support higher education institutions and innovation platforms in transforming research and expertise into practical solutions for local economic development. This includes helping institutions strengthen their role in innovation ecosystems through curriculum co-design, entrepreneurship education, and improved collaboration with industry. We advise on how to translate academic knowledge into products, services, and business opportunities that benefit both students and society.
- Digital transformation & responsible AI adoption: MSM ECEE supports public and private institutions in navigating digital transformation. From AI-readiness assessments and strategy development to capacity building and responsible integration, we offer a phased approach to embedding digital innovation across sectors.
How we can help you
- Set up incubators and entrepreneurship centres
- Develop entrepreneurship curricula and short courses
- Train startups, SMEs, and educators in business model development
- Assess digital readiness and design AI/digital strategies
- Deliver 21st-century skills training tailored to youth and industry needs
- Strengthen informal businesses through practical innovation strategies
- Link innovation platforms to national economic policy and industrial growth
Making innovation work
In Kenya, MSM helped universities and industries collaborate under the Itatu project to develop applied entrepreneurship and skills training aligned with labour market needs.
In Tanzania, we supported the integration of digital tools and entrepreneurship education within climate-smart agriculture training, enhancing youth employability and startup development.
In South Africa, we linked TVET institutions to the horticulture industry, equipping students and educators with innovation and digital skills relevant to the green economy.
Ready to build your innovation ecosystem or boost digital skills?
Partner with us to develop entrepreneurial capacity and future-proof organisations.
Get in touch today!
