A novel application of fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis to GEM data

摘要

This study constitutes a novel application of fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis to Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) data. This study seeks to demonstrate that fsQCA enriches previous conclusions from linear regression analyses that state that a relationship exists between the GEM's Total Entrepreneurial Activity rate (TEA) and variables representing entrepreneurial attitudes and social values of adult populations toward entrepreneurship. FsQCA allows researchers to estimate which of these attitudes and social values are necessary, sufficient, or both for full membership in the set of most entrepreneurial active countries within the set of GEM innovation-driven countries. FsQCA provides also valuable details that contribute to explain why, although significant, some GEM regression analyses do not usually show a high explanatory capacity. The findings of this study demonstrate that fsQCA widely extends the possibilities of analysis and understanding of the role of GEM indicators. FsQCA allows further research involving other groups of countries, different sets of GEM indicators, and geographical configurations. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.