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Entrepreneurial competencies shape Entrepreneurial Action, local study finds Seven-year research study by Allan Gray Orbis Foundation and the University of Pretoria identifies the top competencies of action-driven entrepreneurs across diverse backgrounds Aspiring entrepreneurs from all backgrounds can start businesses if they cultivate a set of 14 entrepreneurial competencies (ECs). This is the key finding of a seven-year joint study by the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation (AGOF) and the University of Pretoria (UP) on fostering business start-ups in a diverse society. Titled “South Africa’s Entrepreneurial Competency Framework,” the research outlines the most valuable competencies for entrepreneurs at different stages and the most effective teaching strategies for diverse groups in South Africa. In collaboration with Professor Melodi Botha, entrepreneurship expert at UP, the study addressed two questions: “Which entrepreneurial competencies should be developed?” and “How can these be enhanced?” “,” says Botha. The research, conducted in seven phases, began with a review of over 200 global sources, identifying 16 common frameworks. From these, 228 competencies were extracted and refined through expert workshops to 19, and eventually to 14 key competencies. “We found that taking successful action as an entrepreneur involved six key competencies: opportunity assessment, innovation, calculated risk-taking, having a growth mindset, displaying leadership, and possessing self-efficacy,” explains Carl Herman, Head of Impact Assurance at AGOF. The 14 key entrepreneurial competencies are: Action orientation, Autonomy, Calculated risk-taking, Curiosity, Growth mindset, Innovation, Leadership, Opportunity recognition, Opportunity assessment, Problem-solving, Resilience, Self-efficacy, Value creation, Values-driven. To teach these effectively, four methods were identified: product development exercises, role-play and simulations, business canvas development and internships. Phase Six analysed demographic profiles, revealing that a growth mindset was the strongest predictor of entrepreneurial action. The final phase addressed the lack of a reliable tool to measure ECs in South Africa, leading to the development of a tailored measurement tool for adults, university students, and high school learners, in collaboration with Professor Alewyn Nel. “Many entrepreneurship programmes take a generic approach, often ignoring individual learning styles,” says Herman. “In a diverse country like South Africa, programmes must be interactive, practical, and tailored to different groups.” “We envision a South Africa where each entrepreneur has access to competencies that match their unique journey,” Herman concludes. The research can be accessed here: Empowering tomorrow’s entrepreneurs
