INFLUENCE OF INCUBATION CENTERS ON FOSTERING INNOVATIVE THINKING IN HIGHER EDUCATION STUDENTS: AN ANALYSIS OF SELECT HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS IN TELANGANA

Abstract

An innovative thinking process is essential for start-up entrepreneurs in India. Start-ups that enhance visibility are usually differentiated by their innovative approach. Thus, the role of incubation centers in fostering innovative thinking will significantly influence students' journey toward entrepreneurship. NEP 2020 also provides the roadmap for adopting incubation centres in HEIs and also to promote start-ups, even financial assistance is also being granted to incubation centers. Telangana is pioneering in promoting start-up ecosystems, this paper examines three broad objectives namely understanding the factors promoting innovative thinking processes, studying the role of incubation centers in promoting innovative thinking processes in HEIs of Telangana, and analyzing the Perceptions of students on the role of incubation centers in promoting innovative thinking process, and has formed an opinion that incubation centers have been playing an important role in developing the creative thinking process of the students. Hence, the paper urges the promotion of innovation centers among higher education institutions.