Title: International entrepreneurship research: mapping and cognitive structures

Authors: João J. Ferreira; Cristina I. Fernandes; Vanessa Ratten

Addresses: University of Beira Interiorand, Covilhã, Portugal; NECE – Research Unit, Estrada do Sineiro, Polo IV 6200-201 Covilha, Portugal ' Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco, Castelo Branco, Portugal; NECE – Research Unit Largo do Município 6060-163 Idanha-a-Nova, Portugal ' Department of Management and Marketing, La Trobe Business School, La Trobe University, Bundoora, 3086, Australia

Abstract: This study aims to provide international entrepreneurship researchers with a better understanding of publications related to this area and its evolutionary development. For this purpose this study uses a combination of bibliometric techniques such as citations, co-citations and social network analysis to analyse the scientific domain of international entrepreneurship. The paper challenges researchers to examine international entrepreneurship issues left undiscovered by current literature. Through the process of mapping and cognitive structure, our intention is to generate new ways of analysing the seminal papers on international entrepreneurship by fostering fresh approaches. The data analysis bridges the gap between international business and traditional entrepreneurship theory by focusing on the high citations of research published on international entrepreneurship with the current work that is happening in this research field. Future research suggestions for academics interested in international entrepreneurship are given that open the dialogue to the changing and dynamic global marketplace in which change is an essential part of business activity.

Keywords: international entrepreneurship; cognitive structures; bibliometric analysis; globalisation; research metrics; small business; international business; opportunity recognition; entrepreneurial opportunities; citations; co-citations; social network analysis; SNA.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESB.2017.082880

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 2017 Vol.30 No.4, pp.545 - 566

Received: 17 Mar 2015
Accepted: 15 Apr 2015

Published online: 15 Mar 2017 *

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