ABOUT

Publications & Impact

Prof. van der Westhuizen has published her work in academic journals, conference proceedings, and books. She is the author of multiple books on youth entrepreneurship (detailed in Books by Thea below), including two international publications in 2023 that encapsulate over seven years of research. Her journal articles cover topics like entrepreneurial self-efficacy in online startups and transformative learning pedagogies for entrepreneurships.

She has presented papers at global conferences, such as the International Conference on Innovation & Entrepreneurship (ICIE) and the European Conference on Research Methodology, often sharing insights on action research methods in business educationss.

Research Interests & Approach

Prof. van der Westhuizen’s research is anchored in leadership, innovation, and youth entrepreneurship. Her work has earned over 500 citations and an h-index of 14 on Google Scholar—indicators of its wide influence and ongoing relevance in academic and applied settings.

In 2018, her team’s Youth Incubator project was honoured at the International Conference on Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ICIE) in Washington D.C., receiving the Innovative Youth Incubator Award following a competitive, peer-reviewed selection process.

With globally respected institutions like Oxford University in the competition, the award spotlighted the boldness and relevance of her approach. Today, she continues to drive research that empowers the next generation of changemakers across Africa and beyond.

Public Engagement & Innovation

A hallmark of Prof. van der Westhuizen’s scholarship is her integration of public engagement and innovation. She blends academic rigour with community-driven action—a practice known as research-led community engagement.

In recognition of this approach, the National Research Foundation (NRF) nominated her for the Public Engagement with Research Award (2024) for her sustained efforts to connect science with society through youth entrepreneurship initiatives.

Her most recent innovation includes securing an expression of interest from the Botnar Foundation for a R3 million project focused on cultivating an entrepreneurial “Heartset” in youth. Prof. van der Westhuizen’s commitment to creating real-world impact cements her place as a leader in social innovation research.

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Books by Prof. Thea

Prof. van der Westhuizen has authored several books that encapsulate her research findings and practical insights on entrepreneurship. These works are aimed at academics, practitioners, and anyone interested in youth and entrepreneurship development.

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