Developing Entrepreneurship Ecosystem in Emerging Economies: Lessons from Regional Plan9 Incubators

Launched in 2021 by the Punjab Information Technology Board Pakistan, Regional Plan9 (RP9) aimed to foster entrepreneurship in secondary cities by establishing nine incubation centres throughout Punjab. These centres supported start-ups with mentorship, networking opportunities, office space, and financial assistance. Despite its early achievements, RP9 faced an uncertain future due to the impending withdrawal of funding. The original funding, provided by the Punjab government, was intended to be temporary. Universities were expected to assume financial and operational responsibilities gradually. However, this transition never occurred. The program’s closure could hinder the progress of entrepreneurship in regional cities, impacting hundreds of start-ups, jobs, and the broader innovation landscape in Punjab. Should RP9 aggressively seek alternative sources of funding, such as corporate sponsorships, private investments, or international grants? Could universities realistically be expected to step up and support these incubators, as originally envisioned? Or was it time to acknowledge that, despite its success and impact, RP9 was inherently unsustainable without continued government funding?