Subject Area: Information Management Systems (IMS)
Technological Incubation Centers (TICs) are vital institutions for fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic development, particularly in emerging economies. In Nigeria, however, the lack of an efficient, integrated information management system (IMS) has hindered the full potential of these centers. This study develops a comprehensive Information Management System (IMS) for TICs that utilizes ontology-based data integration and data visualization techniques to enhance the management, monitoring, and reporting processes. The proposed system integrates decentralized data from various TICs across Nigeria, enabling seamless access to real-time information, better resource allocation, and improved decision-making. Through the use of ontology and data integration, the system standardizes data representation and improves the accuracy and accessibility of reports, allowing for more effective monitoring of projects and financial resources. Additionally, data visualization tools help administrators and government stakeholders to visualize trends, performance metrics, and project outcomes, fostering transparency and accountability. The system was developed and tested using modern web technologies such as PHP, MySQL, and JavaScript, and its effectiveness was validated through real-world testing, demonstrating a robust, secure, and user-friendly platform. The research concludes that this IMS can significantly improve the operational efficiency of TICs in Nigeria, contributing to the development of an entrepreneurial ecosystem and supporting the sustainable growth of small businesses.