Inside the Mind of Innovation: A Systematic Review of Cognitive Development and Entrepreneurial Competencies

Abstract

Innovation and entrepreneurial competencies are increasingly acknowledged as pivotal results of modern educational paradigms; however, the cognitive underpinnings that facilitate such results remain disjointed across various academic disciplines. This paper offers a systematic literature review that explores the role of cognitive development in fostering innovation and entrepreneurial competencies within educational frameworks.

A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, synthesizing 60 studies retrieved from Scopus, Web of Science, ERIC, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. The search was performed between January and March 2025, covering publications from 2000 to 2025.Thematic analysis identified six key themes: (1) cognitive development as the core mechanism of innovation, (2) the central role of higher-order thinking, (3) the importance of cognitive flexibility and creative cognition, (4) experiential and constructivist learning as enabling environments, (5) the role of scaffolding and cognitive load management, and (6) innovation as a cognitive outcome rather than a direct product of tools or pedagogy. The findings indicate that innovation emerges from an integrated cognitive ecosystem shaped by advanced mental processes and supportive learning conditions. The framework offers a theoretically robust foundation for forthcoming empirical inquiries and the development of cognitively informed educational interventions aimed at promoting innovation and entrepreneurship.