List of countries used in the study.

Entrepreneurship is widely recognized as a vital driver of economic growth, yet its relationship through different stages with broader, non-purely monetary dimensions still needs to be explored. This research seeks to fill this gap by investigating the association between human development and entrepreneurship, recognizing the crucial role of environmental conditions in shaping entrepreneurial activity. Our cross-country Bayesian analysis shows strong evidence that a nation’s level of human development is associated with entrepreneurial activity in three stages: early entrepreneurship, intention for future engagement, and discontinuation of ventures. Our findings expand the intricate relationship between entrepreneurship and economic variables, highlighting the importance of environmental conditions in shaping entrepreneurial behavior. This article emphasizes that promoting robust entrepreneurial ecosystems requires considering integral dimensions such as human development. Policymakers and researchers should broaden their perspectives to encompass these holistic dimensions to create an environment conducive to entrepreneurial growth.