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The future in the mirror and behind it: Scientists and more

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  • Dimov, Dimo

Abstract

This paper argues that the framework of entrepreneurs-as-scientists, portraying entrepreneurs as tasked with making precise and reliable inferences, and expressed in certain mathematical language, trivializes entrepreneurial practice. I highlight the challenges that arise from replacing the abstract notations of mathematical language with names from ordinary language of entrepreneurship. Co-opting of ordinary language for mathematical purposes distorts our understanding of business ideas, venture development, and entrepreneurial processes. At stake are different conceptions of the future. One creates the future within language, the other accepts that the future lies outside of language as an untameable realm of perpetual novelty.

Suggested Citation

  • Dimov, Dimo, 2024. "The future in the mirror and behind it: Scientists and more," Journal of Business Venturing Insights, Elsevier, vol. 21(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jobuve:v:21:y:2024:i:c:s2352673424000167
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbvi.2024.e00464
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Arnaldo Camuffo & Alessandro Cordova & Alfonso Gambardella & Chiara Spina, 2020. "A Scientific Approach to Entrepreneurial Decision Making: Evidence from a Randomized Control Trial," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 66(2), pages 564-586, February.
    2. Mark D. Packard & Brent B. Clark & Peter G. Klein, 2017. "Uncertainty Types and Transitions in the Entrepreneurial Process," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 28(5), pages 840-856, October.
    3. Muñoz, Pablo & Dimov, Dimo, 2023. "Facing the future through entrepreneurship theory: A prospective inquiry framework," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 38(4).
    4. Dimo Dimov, 2010. "Nascent Entrepreneurs and Venture Emergence: Opportunity Confidence, Human Capital, and Early Planning," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 47(6), pages 1123-1153, September.
    5. Davidsson, Per & Grégoire, Denis A. & Lex, Maike, 2021. "Venture Idea Assessment (VIA): Development of a needed concept, measure, and research agenda," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 36(5).
    6. Dimo Dimov, 2011. "Grappling with the Unbearable Elusiveness of Entrepreneurial Opportunities," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 35(1), pages 57-81, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Tyler F. Stillman, 2025. "Autobiographical Narratives of Entrepreneurship: Happy, Curious and Out to Make a Difference," Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Emerging Economies, Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India, vol. 34(3), pages 491-521, August.

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