Title: Defining the entrepreneurial mindset and discussing its distinctiveness in entrepreneurship research

Authors: Dagmar Ylva Hattenberg; Olga Belousova; Aard J. Groen

Addresses: University of Groningen Center for Entrepreneurship, Kadijk 4, 9747 AE, Groningen, The Netherlands ' University of Groningen Center for Entrepreneurship, Kadijk 4, 9747 AE, Groningen, The Netherlands ' University of Groningen Center for Entrepreneurship, Kadijk 4, 9747 AE, Groningen, The Netherlands

Abstract: The entrepreneurial mindset (EMS) is an emerging concept within entrepreneurship research, but has yet to reveal its full potential. Its current understanding is still fragmented and intertwined with other concepts. The purpose of this paper is to develop a theoretically informed definition of EMS that is descriptively robust and conceptually distinct from other concepts. By analysing definitions and comparing EMS to other established entrepreneurship concepts we argue that EMS captures both the developmental (ability) and the volitional (willingness) aspects that allow an individual to sense and seize an opportunity. It is the combination of these two aspects that makes EMS unique and distinct from other concepts. We ultimately propose future research steps to advance the understanding of this important phenomenon across multiple contexts.

Keywords: entrepreneurial mindset; EMS; entrepreneurship; willingness; ability; comparative analysis; human action perspective.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESB.2021.117935

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 2021 Vol.44 No.1, pp.30 - 52

Received: 08 Jan 2019
Accepted: 28 Dec 2019
Published online: 05 Oct 2021 *

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