Economic Activation Offices (EAOs) 2025 Workshop
Exclusive for the EDHE Economic Activation Officers, their relevant supporting university executive to whom they report, the EDHE Student Entrepreneurship Coordinators, and EAO partners.
Workshop Theme: Driving Entrepreneurial Ecosystems at Universities
Information related to the programme goes here.
Two representatives from each university, which should include 1) the appointed EAO Officer, the Student Entrepreneurship Coordinator (if not the EAO Officer), and/or one university executive to whom the EAO Reports.
Entrepreneurship development as a focus area in universities is still gaining momentum, even though great work has been done on many fronts. In several cases, a lack of coordination and internal alignment remains challenging, along with a limited flow of information on entrepreneurship-related opportunities, structures, initiatives and resources. Both internal university stakeholders (such as students and staff) and external stakeholders (such as private and public sector representatives, sometimes with potential opportunities) often need help finding entrepreneurship-related information. 2 Recent studies conducted through the EDHE structures indicated a need to significantly integrate efforts, structures, and resources within universities to impact the ecosystem. This needs to be coordinated and adequately managed internally. Given the diversity of South African higher education institutions, more than a single approach is required. Still, a coherent framework that provides support and possible collaboration opportunities would be highly relevant (National University Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Baseline study). The importance of information sharing, as well as a better understanding of the nature and extent of entrepreneurship development initiatives in place within each university, was confirmed by university participants in the two studies. The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) report, a study on advancing Entrepreneurial Universities in Africa, posits that once there is complete insight into what, where and how entrepreneurship is unfolding at a University, a proper consolidation, integration and coordination framework be put into place.
2.1 Purpose of EDHE
Capacitating universities by strengthening the internal entrepreneurship development ecosystem in each university.
2.2 Purpose of the EAOs
Collaboration among institutions is crucial in the national movement of entrepreneurship development within universities. While the existing national EDHE platform has been useful, a structured approach was needed to enhance alignment between institutions regionally and nationally, as well as with the EDHE office itself.
The EAOs are aimed at being a centralised hub for addressing challenges and identifying opportunities related to entrepreneurship and innovation within each institution. By fostering collaboration and support, the EAOs will bridge the gap between EDHE and universities, contributing to entrepreneurship and innovation.
2.3 The potential future of this project
The potential future of the EAO project is promising, aiming to create a sustainable ecosystem for entrepreneurship and innovation within the higher education landscape. Success depends on continued support and collaboration from universities, stakeholders, and the government. Ultimately, the project will have a positive impact on both individual universities and the overall economy of South Africa.
2.4 Benefit to the sector
The Economic Activation Office (EAO) project aims to promote economic development and community engagement within the university setting. By leveraging partnerships, collaborations, and agreements, the EAO seeks to optimise resources and foster institutional collaboration. The project not only benefits the sector but also contributes to the goals of the EDHE (Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education) program. To address this need, the EDHE program initiated the establishment of pilot EAOs in collaboration with hosting universities. EAOs play a central role in the entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem of universities, facilitating support, networking, and information sharing. They aim to foster collaboration between various entities and individuals within the university, including leadership, faculty, support staff, and students. Additionally, EAOs work closely with existing entities such as technology transfer offices, incubators, and entrepreneurship centres, while serving as a centralised information hub for entrepreneurship efforts within the university.
2.5 EAO Workshops
The first EAO workshop of 2023 took place in March, bringing together Economic Activation Officers from the ten participating universities. The workshop focused on progress reports, good practices, and the establishment of an EAO Guidebook framework to assist universities in setting up and running effective EAOs. Standard Bank, a key partner in the initiative, attended the workshop and emphasized ecosystems as a methodology for building partnerships and economic activity. As a result of the workshop, participants called for the establishment of an EDHE Community of Practice (CoP) for EAOs, similar to other national EDHE CoPs.
EDHE embarked on the second workshop following the first workshop with cohort 1 in 2023. The workshop was held from 27 to 28 February 2024, focusing on a distinctive theme: “Activating and shaping entrepreneurial universities for economic impact”. Notably, the workshop encompassed both cohort 1, the initial 10 EAOs, building on the insights gained 5 from the initial workshop, and welcomed a new cohort of 15 universities into the fold. The event saw a strong turnout, with two representatives from each of the 25 university EAOs in attendance.
The focus remained on deepening the understanding of the functions outlined for EAOs, with a keen eye on supporting alignment among university stakeholders, fostering collaboration with existing entities, and refining the coordination of support, networking, and information sharing. The unique theme for 2024 reflected the imperative of continual improvement and adaptation within the entrepreneurial university framework.
The workshop served as an inclusive platform for both Cohort 1 and the newly introduced Cohort 2, offering a collective exploration of strategies and initiatives that will further propel these offices and their affiliated universities toward enhanced economic influence. As participants converge, the shared objective persists – to actively contribute to economic development, foster collaboration, and collectively shape the trajectory of entrepreneurial universities as vital contributors to societal impact.
During the workshop Cohort 1 shared their experiences and insights on establishing and running an EAO within their institutions. Additionally, Ms Sarah Nixon, Manager at Standard Bank’s Business Sector, and Mr Michael Dunn from Standard Bank’s KZN region shared valuable knowledge on ecosystem methodology.
The focus of Cohort 2 was on finalising the Terms of Reference for the EAO Community of Practice (CoP) and the EAO Guidebook. The workshops were facilitated by Ms Jayde Barends, Chairperson of the EAO, who led the discussions with Cohort 1 representatives, and the Deputy Chairperson, who guided Cohort 2 in establishing guidelines for launching an EAO office within their respective institutions.
The EAO workshop was followed by the annual EDHE Kick-off CoPs meetings held virtually on Thursday 29 February 2024.
Embarking on the third Economic Activation Office workshop, we find ourselves in the year 2025, following the EAO workshop that took place in 2023 for the first 10 EAOs, cohort 1 and the 1st and 2nd cohort held on 27 to 28 February 2024 with a distinctive theme that focused on: “activating and shaping entrepreneurial universities for economic impact”. Notably, the workshop encompasses both cohort 1, building on the insights gained from the initial workshop, and welcomed a new cohort of 16 universities into the fold.
This workshop is designed to deepen our collective understanding of the critical functions of EAOs while ensuring greater alignment among university stakeholders. EAOs play a pivotal role in coordinating entrepreneurship activities, fostering collaboration with existing entities, and streamlining support, networking, and information-sharing within institutions.
Building on these core objectives, this year’s workshop will place a special focus on the theme: “Driving Entrepreneurial Ecosystems at Universities.” A thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem within a university does not emerge in isolation – it is cultivated through strategic collaboration, institutional commitment, and an enabling environment that nurtures innovation and enterprise. This workshop will explore how EAOs can serve as catalysts for these ecosystems, ensuring that entrepreneurship is seamlessly integrated into the university’s structures, policies, and culture.
Through interactive discussions, expert insights, and hands-on strategy sessions, participants will:
- Strengthen their ability to align entrepreneurship efforts across faculties, research centers, and external partners;
- Develop frameworks for more effective collaboration with industry, government, and entrepreneurship hubs;
- Enhance the coordination of resources and market access for entrepreneurs.
- Gain practical tools to measure and sustain the impact of entrepreneurial activities within universities.
This is a must-attend event for all EAO leaders committed to shaping vibrant and sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystems in higher education.