The Centre for Entrepreneurship and Business Incubation (CEBI) has active research programmes in two broad areas:
The application of entrepreneurial methodology in all forms of enterprise, including both commercial and social enterprise. That research informs teaching at CEBI for its flagship postgraduate programme, the Master in Entrepreneurship (MEnt) as well as numerous courses it offers to undergraduates and new business founders from the Maltese community. Research in these areas is led by Prof. Russell Smith, himself the Holder of the Queen's Award for Enterprise Promotion. His work has led to the development of the New Standard Model of Enterprise.
Mentoring of new businesses designed to help Founders achieve the best possible outcome for their ventures. This research is undertaken at TAKEOFF, the Incubator/Accelerator facility overseen by CEBI. The TAKEOFF Manager, Inġ. Joseph Bartolo, is currently underway with a doctoral programme of research in this area.
The New Standard Model of Enterprise comprises three phases:
Each phase breaks down activities into two plans that help Founders to consider critical questions appropriate for each stage. This model integrates teaching at CEBI with activities and support available from TAKEOFF to create a seamless flow of progress for students who go on to start, run and grow their own business.
By addressing only the critical issues at the correct time, the New Standard Model of Enterprise facilitates risk reduction and enhances business sustainability in an efficient manner. Various publications are scheduled for 2020 and beyond.