The Networking and Global Awareness of Young Technology-based Entrepreneurs: a Case Study of the Master of Enterprise (ment) Programme of the Manchester Science Enterprise Centre

Abstract

This study addresses the networking and global awareness of young technology-based entrepreneurs (YTBE). It is based on six technical entrepreneurs who graduated from the Master of Enterprise (MEnt) programme at Manchester Science Enterprise Centre. The main purpose of this research was to determine if YTBEs realise the importance of networks to business success and whether they act positively to build them. The second purpose was to see if they consider international opportunities and whether they build skills to sense and act upon them. The results have policy implications for supporting the development of the high-technology SME sector and providing insights into the internationalisation of high-technology SMEs.The research found that the YTBE from this course, show highly positive perception towards networks. Policy-makers are encouraged to nurture and further develop this type of humanbased incubator. The investigation of global awareness of the young entrepreneurs shows less optimistic results. This situation should give cause for concern to both educators and policy makers.