Techno-Entrepreneurship in Developing Countries: Bridging Innovation and Inclusive Growth

Abstract

Digital transformation in developing countries opens up new opportunities for technology-based entrepreneurship, but the benefits are not fully inclusive due to the digital divide, limited access to finance, and varying quality of infrastructure. This research aims to analyze how techno-entrepreneurship can bridge innovation and inclusive growth by examining the role of digital capabilities, digital financial inclusion, as well as the moderation of digital public infrastructure and pro-inclusive policies. The method used is mixed-methods with a sequential explanatory design. Quantitative data was collected through a survey of 300 technology-based MSME actors and analyzed using SEM-PLS, while qualitative data was obtained through in-depth interviews and FGDs to enrich the interpretation of the results. The findings show that digital capabilities have a significant effect on inclusive growth (B=0.47, p<0.01), while digital financial inclusion plays a role as a partial mediator (B=0.21, p<0.05). The analysis also confirms that digital public infrastructure and pro-inclusive policies strengthen the link between digital capabilities and inclusive growth outcomes. The integration of qualitative data supports quantitative outcomes, with empirical evidence that digital literacy, fintech access, and policy support are key to expanding the impact of techno-entrepreneurship. The implications of this study emphasize the need for a multi-level strategy that connects micro, meso, and macro aspects in order for digitalization to truly drive equitable, participatory, and sustainable economic growth in developing countries.