A new study revealed increased neuronal connectivity in the brains of serial entrepreneurs compared to managers, suggesting these entrepreneurs have superior cognitive flexibility, essential for their success. The findings, using an innovative resting-state fMRI method offer insights for enhancing entrepreneurial cognition and training within organizations.
Using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging , the study showed that serial entrepreneurs have higher connectivity between the right insula and the anterior prefrontal cortex , compared to their fellow managers. These results, published in the journal, suggest that serial entrepreneurs possess greater cognitive flexibility, enabling them to alternate effectively between exploration and exploitation, a balance that is crucial to their success.
Unlike the traditional fMRI approach based on tasks submitted to the subject, the rs-fMRI on which this study is based observes the brain at rest, in the absence of cognitive tasks or presentation of stimuli, which constitutes an innovative approach to improving understanding of the entrepreneurial mind. Forty people, entrepreneurs and managers, took part in the study.
“In a world of rapid and unpredictable change, organizations need to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset and foster cognitive flexibility within their teams, qualities recognized by the OECD as a 21st-century challenge,” points out Professor Bernard Surlemont, Professor of Entrepreneurship at ULiège .