Digitalization is transforming business models, paving the way for “digital entrepreneurship” as the dominating business environment. However, the Malaysian Ministry of International Trade and Industry emphasises that polytechnics must align their entrepreneurial ecosystem with the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Business incubators has become a favored tool in fostering digital entrepreneurship education. Despite established digital technology policies, there are no specific regulations governing digital entrepreneurship education in polytechnics’ business incubation program and its impacts remain unexplored. To address this deficiency, a multiple case study was conducted to gain an in-depth insight towards the impacts of implementing digital entrepreneurship education in business incubation programs at Malaysian polytechnics. Two selected polytechnics adopted distinct approaches. Eduvalley Polytechnic incorporates digital marketing and platforms, whereas Skillrise Eastside Polytech concentrates on digital software and technology solutions into their business incubation program. This qualitative study involves 14 participants including student entrepreneurs, entrepreneurship mentors, and incubator managers that was chosen using heterogenous sampling. To boost the trustworthiness, a semi-structured interview protocol was developed and multiple triangulation methods using direct observation and document analysis were employed. All interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed. Within-case and cross-case analyses revealed similarities and differences in the polytechnics. Findings disclosed that the impacts of implementing digital entrepreneurship education enhances stakeholders' competencies, establishes solid foundation for digital-based ventures, and strengthen the collaboration between the internal and external stakeholders for commercial development. This study is anticipated to assist policymakers, particularly the Polytechnic and Community College Education Department, in optimizing the utilization of business incubation programs for nurturing digital technology-driven ventures’ growth.
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