Defining public-sector entrepreneurship

Abstract

Public-sector entrepreneurship (PSE) is a relatively new area of enquiry. Though it is now universally agreed that the public sector can be entrepreneurial just like its private sector counterpart, it is not clear what makes up the PSE construct. The study proposes three dimensions of what makes up PSE. The three are, economic facilitation and regulation, the civil–political service agent and commercial market participation. The dimensions are based on the different roles the state plays in trying to optimally provide public value to its citizens. This study offers a conceptual definition that could more broadly represent PSE. As with any new concept, this conceptual framework still has to be tested for efficacy and be validated through future research.