Military Entrepreneurship: Transforming Military Competencies into Entrepreneurial Innovation, Economic Development, and National Resilience

Author

Priscilla Katoba , Frank Sakanya


Abstract

 Military entrepreneurship has emerged as an important field of scholarly inquiry due to the increasing recognition that military personnel possess unique competencies that can significantly contribute to entrepreneurial development, innovation, economic growth, and national resilience. The transition from military service to entrepreneurship has become a strategic pathway through which veterans and former military personnel utilize leadership abilities, discipline, risk management capabilities, strategic planning skills, adaptability, resilience, and problem-solving competencies acquired during military training. In both developed and developing economies, military entrepreneurship has increasingly been associated with employment creation, innovation, enterprise development, technological advancement, and economic diversification. This article critically examines the concept of military entrepreneurship and explores the relationship between military-acquired competencies and entrepreneurial success. Drawing upon Human Capital Theory, Resource-Based Theory, and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Theory, the article analyses the contribution of military entrepreneurship to economic development and national resilience. Particular attention is given to emerging trends in veteran entrepreneurship, challenges confronting military entrepreneurs, and policy interventions necessary to maximize their developmental contribution. The article argues that military entrepreneurship represents an underutilized development resource capable of supporting economic transformation, innovation, employment generation, and sustainable national development. The study concludes that governments, military institutions, educational organizations, and private sector actors should develop comprehensive support frameworks that facilitate successful transitions from military service to entrepreneurial ventures.



Keywords

Military Entrepreneurship, Veteran Entrepreneurship, Economic Development, National Resilience, Innovation, Human Capital, Leadership, Entrepreneurship.



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