Graduates perceived innovation intentions: An evidence of Mbeya University of Science and Technology, Tanzania

Innovation starts with the detection of performance gaps-mismatches between actual and potential performance (De Jong, 2007). However, little information is available on how Mbeya University of Science and Technology [MUST] have nurtured the innovative potentials of students on their innovative intentions attitudes. Therefore, this study assessed the perceptions of innovative intentions of graduates at MUST in their differential fields of study. This research used experimental research design and stratified and purposive sampling techniques were used. Closed questionnaire based on three points Likert scale was used to assess students’ perceptions in which a sample of 352 cross sectional data was collected and descriptive analysis was done using SPPSS. Results showed that 69.1%, 71.1%, 71.4% of respondents perceived that lack of finance, team work, and project management skills were most related to economic factors and management skills about project management that could affect innovation process in their specializations. These findings, therefore was concluded that innovation intentions of graduates could be affected by entrepreneur, lack of finance, teamwork and project management skills. Therefore, it is recommended that MUST should optimize students’ skills on entrepreneur, finance, teamwork, and project management skills so as to enhance graduates innovation intentions for self employment.