From human capital to competitive advantage: Indigenous knowledge, adaptation, and innovation in entrepreneurial success

Henry Adeyemi Aluko, Francis Achi, Opeyemi Faith Titus · 2026 · Journal of the International Council for Small Business

Summary. Indigenous knowledge systems drive entrepreneurial success primarily through adaptation and operational flexibility, which directly boost business growth. Innovation matters less for growth but proves critical for competitiveness. The study of 124 entrepreneurs across seven regions shows that Indigenous knowledge functions as a dynamic resource that builds human capital and capabilities. Support programs should prioritize adaptation early, then shift focus to innovation as businesses mature.

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@article{aluko-2026-human-capital-competitive-advantage-indigenous,
  title   = {From human capital to competitive advantage: Indigenous knowledge, adaptation, and innovation in entrepreneurial success},
  author  = {Henry Adeyemi Aluko and Francis Achi and Opeyemi Faith Titus},
  journal = {Journal of the International Council for Small Business},
  year    = {2026},
  doi     = {10.1080/26437015.2026.2673344},
  url     = {https://doi.org/10.1080/26437015.2026.2673344}
}

TY  - JOUR
TI  - From human capital to competitive advantage: Indigenous knowledge, adaptation, and innovation in entrepreneurial success
AU  - Henry Adeyemi Aluko
AU  - Francis Achi
AU  - Opeyemi Faith Titus
JO  - Journal of the International Council for Small Business
PY  - 2026
DO  - 10.1080/26437015.2026.2673344
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1080/26437015.2026.2673344
ER  - 

Details

DOI

10.1080/26437015.2026.2673344

Countries

United Kingdom

Regions

Europe

Categories

indigenous-innovation, entrepreneurship, innovation-theory, general-innovation

Added

2026-09-01