Psychological safety and cognitive interdependence: catalysts of INSPER's entrepreneurial ecosystem 

This article investigates how interactions among actors — such as students, alumni, investors, mentors, and startups — influence the performance of Insper’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Drawing on the literature, it highlights the importance of cognitive interdependence, which enables knowledge exchange and shared practices, and psychological safety, which allows free expression and risk-taking without fear of criticism.  

Using a qualitative case study approach, the research involved semi-structured interviews, event observations, and document analysis. Findings show that environments fostering psychological safety enhance creativity, collective learning, and strategic decision-making. This trust-based atmosphere supports the formation of shared mental models, which are essential for identifying opportunities and solving complex challenges.  

The study concludes that combining cognitive interdependence with psychological safety strengthens both the resilience and innovative capacity of the ecosystem’s actors, ultimately driving its performance. Managers are advised to invest in practices that cultivate these dynamics to maximize adaptability and growth in uncertain environments.