ESU Statement on Academic Freedom, Scientific Inquiry, and Scholarly Exchange

Open Letter to ESU members and the European entrepreneurship research community

The European University Network on Entrepreneurship (ESU) strongly condemns any governmental action that constrains academic freedom, scientific inquiry, or scholarly exchange. As emphasized in the recent statement by the Academy of Management (AOM, https://aom.org/about-aom/governance/aom-governance-policies/aom-statement-on-academic-freedom-scientific-inquiry-and-scholarly-exchange), these principles are foundational to the integrity of science, innovation, and democratic society. Academic freedom enables scholars to explore and critique ideas without fear, fostering the creativity essential for entrepreneurship. Scientific inquiry, grounded in evidence and open critique, drives the discovery of solutions to pressing societal challenges. Scholarly exchange allows knowledge to circulate freely across borders and disciplines, ensuring progress is collective and impactful.

When governments restrict what can be researched, taught, or discussed, limit funding, or curtail international collaboration, they undermine not only the mission of universities but also society’s ability to address complex global issues. Such actions stifle innovation, weaken our response to urgent challenges, and erode public trust in higher education.

ESU calls on all governments to respect and protect academic freedom, maintain the conditions necessary for independent scientific inquiry, and actively support open scholarly exchange, which is in line with the AOM statement. The future of entrepreneurship and societal advancement depends on upholding these essential and interdependent principles.