The global mindset: a must for international innovation and entrepreneurship

This study is a systematic review of 10 years of research on the global mindset (GM) and small firms’ internationalization behavior. The research outcome is reviewed based on the contribution to theory and evaluated based on the extent to which the research has satisfied specified stakeholder implication criteria. The conclusion is that the research project has served to confirm the theoretical significance of the global mindset for small firms’ internationalization, and thus has been an academic success as measured by the number and quality of peer-reviewed publications. However, it has so far had limited impact on students’ preparation for their role as future CEOs and practicing managers. It is also concluded that the research project appears to have had limited measureable effects at the level of policymaking. The reasons for this unbalanced outcome are elaborated in the broader context of globalization, and small firms’ internationalization processes and strategies for a more balanced outcome are outlined. The conclusive recommendation is that the GM should form part of interdisciplinary leadership education as a key bridging construct between innovation, entrepreneurship, and internationalization.