Characteristics of Innovative Digital Technology Entrepreneurship in South Africa: Case of KwaZulu-Natal

This study examines entrepreneurial characteristics of innovative digital technology entrepreneurship in Kwa-Zulu Natal, for survival and growth. These characteristics are in two folds: personal traits and entrepreneurial behaviour. The purpose of these objective is to address innovative digital SMEs in South Africa who often either struggle to effectively use digital systems such as computers and software’s, or they completely lack adequate skills to exploit the benefits of the digital technology. A quantitative research approach was adopted, while using a non-probability sampling technique to achieve a sample size of 179 excluding 10 participants for pilot study. Data were collected using a self-administered, closed-ended questionnaire, with predetermined answers scaled using a 5-point Likert scale, while data analysis was conducted using SPSS (version 29.0). Innovative digital technology entrepreneurship is becoming recognised worldwide for its significant positive impact on the economic and social growth of a country. It is an important driver for economic growth and development in South Africa. Nevertheless, the study found that digital SMEs in undeveloped and small communities in South Africa have significant constraints that affect both the survival and growth in these regions. Thus, this paper aims to identify key areas whereentrepreneurial characteristics impacts innovative digital technology entrepreneurship. The study also found that the primary factors that are contributing to the failure of innovative digital technology entrepreneurship is the lack of entrepreneurial passion and intention. This involves willingness to adapt to the ever-changing technology and lack of technical adequacy and flexibility to digital transformation especially in underdeveloped areas of South Africa. Hence, this this study recommends that the innovative digital entrepreneurs must elevate their level of technical skills and entrepreneurial characteristics they possess in order to adapt quickly to the digital transformation.