The role of e-mentoring in entrepreneurial education and support: a meta-review of academic literature

Abstract

This paper draws upon policy-based research that was conducted for the SBS South East to provide a meta-review of academic literature that examines the role of e-mentoring in entrepreneurial education and support. Four education and training relevant themes are explored: What is e-mentoring in SMEs? How effective is e-mentoring in SMEs? What examples are there of e-mentoring in SMEs? What advice is there on introducing e-mentoring for SMEs? The article concludes that current research falls short of a robust evaluation; nevertheless, by drawing upon a range of associated e-mentoring research it has been possible to provide some helpful examples of practice and tentative advice on the introduction of such schemes.