The Sciences of Entrepreneurship as an Eminently Transdisciplinary Epistemological Domain

Jacinto Jardim () and Maria José Sousa ()
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Jacinto Jardim: Open University, Department of Social Sciences and Management
Maria José Sousa: ISCTE-University Institute of Lisbon, Researcher Business Research Unit, Department of Political Science and Public Policy

A chapter in Entrepreneurial Education in a Global and Digital World, 2026, pp 133-158 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract With this study, we aim to propose a definition for a new epistemological domain that has emerged in recent decades, which we refer to as “entrepreneurship sciences.” It is based on the following question: What are the epistemological foundations that underpin the definition of entrepreneurship sciences as an autonomous and transdisciplinary scientific field? Starting from an analysis of the concepts of science, epistemology and entrepreneurship, we trace the evolutionary path of this area of knowledge in relation to contemporary challenges. We emphasise that today's world necessitates the integration of approaches that effectively respond to emerging transformations, including rapid technological, economic, environmental, social, and political changes. In this context, critical reflection on growing complexity necessitates approaches that integrate different disciplines and transcend traditional boundaries, thereby justifying the search for connections between various areas of knowledge. Thus, we explore the specific contributions of areas such as management, economics, psychology, neuroscience, philosophy, law, education, and sociology, among others, highlighting how dialogue between these fields facilitates a deeper understanding of entrepreneurial phenomena. This set of disciplines has already been working together towards a common goal. However, the different contributions still need to be integrated, which we present here as an outline to be developed in the coming years. In this sense, we identify some challenges and opportunities for the scientific consolidation of this field, including the impact of the digital transition, inequality in access to resources, and the transformative potential of social and sustainable entrepreneurship. In short, we aim to contribute to the legitimisation of the definition and constitution of the scientific domain of entrepreneurship sciences and to its consolidation as an autonomous, critical, and innovative field of study.

Keywords: Entrepreneurship sciences; Epistemology; Transdisciplinarity; Innovation; Scientific legitimisation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:spr:seschp:978-3-032-17012-5_7

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DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-17012-5_7

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