Technological perspectives of a balanced scorecard for business incubators: Evidence from South Africa

Abstract

This study was deemed relevant in the current epoch given the need for rebuilding enterprises that were devastated by the Covid-19 pandemic. To ensure economic restoration, particular interest in small business start-ups and incubators has become especially important. In addition, measurements for effectiveness are critical since, without them, progress cannot be ascertained. The aim of this study was to assess the balanced scorecard and its applicability to business incubators in the context of the present technological explosion. Specifically, the study assessed the technological dimension of the balanced scorecard with the particular intention of establishing how technological tools affect the balanced scorecard. The study was based on phenomenological interviews to provide data that were relevant to the study objectives. A thematic analysis of the data collected supported literature perspectives that technological tools and platforms such as social media, robotics, expert systems, online as well as web platforms strengthen and improve the measurement of both financial and non-financial criteria for measurement on the balanced scorecard. Technological tools were found to improve data collection, management, and analytics thereby improving the quality and credibility of balanced scorecard measurement. The study recommends the accelerated adoption of technological tools for use within the balanced scorecard among incubators. It also recommends that the government should support incubators in their technological adoption measures as this has the potential of increasing economic development.