People who repeatedly start new businesses may have distinct brain characteristics that support flexible thinking, according to a study led by researchers at the University of Liège. The findings offer insights into how the brain may influence entrepreneurial behaviour and decision-making.
The research focused on cognitive flexibility — the ability to adapt and shift from one idea or strategy to another. This mental skill is considered important for entrepreneurs, who often need to respond quickly to changing markets and new opportunities.
Researchers compared habitual entrepreneurs — people who regularly launch new businesses — with less experienced entrepreneurs and managers. The study explored both how participants rated their own cognitive flexibility and how their brain structure differed.
“Our study used a two-stage methodology,” explains Frédéric Ooms, Assistant Professor and first author of the study.
“First, we collected self-reported measures of cognitive flexibility from 727 participants, including entrepreneurs and managers. Next, we performed structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on a subset of these participants to explore differences in gray matter volume in the brain. This multidisciplinary approach enabled us to correlate self-reported cognitive flexibility with actual brain structure.”
Brain differences in habitual entrepreneurs
The results showed that habitual entrepreneurs reported higher levels of cognitive flexibility than managers. Brain scans also revealed structural differences.
Habitual entrepreneurs had a larger volume of grey matter in a brain region called the left insula, which is linked to cognitive agility and the ability to generate new ideas.
The researchers also found a connection between grey matter density in this region and divergent thinking — the ability to come up with multiple solutions to a problem.
This finding suggests that the brains of habitual entrepreneurs are specially adapted to foster the cognitive flexibility needed to identify and exploit new opportunities.
Steven Laureys, neurologist at ULiège and Laval University
Implications for education and business
The researchers say the findings could be useful for education and training. Programs designed for entrepreneurs may benefit from focusing more on developing cognitive flexibility.
Businesses could also use these insights to encourage more adaptable and innovative thinking among managers and employees.
“This study is essential for entrepreneurship and neuroscience researchers, educators designing entrepreneurial training programs and business leaders wishing to foster innovation within their organizations,” resumes Bernard Surlemont, Professor of Entrepreneurship. “By understanding the neural basis of cognitive flexibility, stakeholders can better support entrepreneurial success and adaptability.”
02.03.2026.
SOURCE
University of Liège. “Unlocking the entrepreneurial brain: New perspectives on cognitive flexibility.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 21 June 2024. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/06/240621122618.htm>.
