Cognitive Divergence Among Entrepreneurship National Experts: Analysis of GEM Data 2000-2003

Abstract

This paper presents new empirical evidence on the existence of cognitive divergence among actors in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. These cognitive disjoints among the actors were examined on the 9 entrepreneurial framework conditions (hereinafter referred to as EFCs), which were developed in the GEM (Global Entrepreneurship Monitor) study. The EFCs, which consist of factors such as financial support, government policies, government programmes, education and training, research and development transfer, internal market openness, access to physical infrastructure and culture and social norms are postulated to facilitate the development of new firms and/or the growth of nascent firms. Past studies, which were based on institutional and social perception theories have examined the existence of perception differences among distinct individuals, groups or clusters, but little is known about the cognitive disjoints among the key players/actors in the entrepreneurial economy. This void in the literature leaves open many questions. Are there significant differences in perception among the key actors of entrepreneurship on the entrepreneurial framework conditions? If there are, in what areas do these perceptions converge and diverge? What are the implications of cognitive divergence among these actors? The actors were selected based on 4 distinct groups: policy makers, entrepreneurs, investors, and venture support professionals.