Abstract
PurposeThis paper introduces executive functions (EFs)–i.e. high-level cognitive processes that are elicited in novel and non-routinised situations–into discussions within entrepreneurship education (EE). By reviewing the existing literature, it highlights how EFs are important for the entrepreneur, their role in the entrepreneurial process and implications for improving EE.Design/methodology/approachWe conduct a literature review bridging cognitive psychology, EE and entrepreneurship fields to clarify the role of EFs in the entrepreneurial process. To do so, we define EFs and then propose a model of the entrepreneurial process to frame our review and identify knowledge and gaps in current research.FindingsThis review shows why EFs are valuable for EE and calls for more focus on them to better prepare students for entrepreneurship and general life challenges. The findings underscore the importance of EFs in understanding key aspects of the entrepreneurial process. Although EFs are studied in the entrepreneurship and EE fields, they are rarely conceptualised from a cognitive psychology perspective, with research often focusing on isolated EF components instead of examining them as a whole.Originality/valueThis review is the first to highlight the role of EFs in the entrepreneurial process in a structured way. Integrating cognitive psychology insights on EFs can enrich EE for both venture creation and value creation approaches while also supporting the development of more effective programs. This focus on EFs also provides a fresh perspective and a valuable lens for understanding complex phenomena such as cognition, learning and the factors behind success and failure in entrepreneurship.
Published Version
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