Institutional Creativity and Entrepreneurship in Institutes of Higher Education: Opportunities and Challenges

The purpose of this research is to find an appropriate framework in establishing a creativity and entrepreneurship institute based on previous experience and current opportunities and capabilities in Tabuk Province. In addition, this study aims to determine some challenges that affect the growth of ventures & entrepreneurs and to determine the opportunities & challenges that might affect the establishment of institutional creativity and entrepreneurship centres at the University of Tabuk. The exploratory research methodology was employed along with a qualitative approach. Data was collected through four sets of focus groups that were designed to gather certain people (government officials from different sectors, business owners, young entrepreneurs, and students) who are involved and might benefit from institutional entrepreneurship. The findings of this research are emphasised in four aspects. First, the culture of entrepreneurship and institutional entrepreneurship awareness levels are low among local communities. Second, the research finds several opportunities at Tabuk area, which could be beneficial in creating an entrepreneurship centre. Third, there are several challenges that might obstruct the process of creating an entrepreneurship centre. Finally, the role of government and private sectors were determined. The research was conducted in a certain area of Saudi Arabia, which is Tabuk Province. This might limit generalisation of the research's results.