Yes, there are cultural differences in the conceptualisation of intelligence. A person's intelligence is tuned by cultural parameters like customs and beliefs. According to Vygotsky, while elementary mental functions are universal, higher mental functions like problem-solving are largely culture-produced. Similarly, Sternberg's notion of contextual or practical intelligence implies that intelligence is a product of culture.

Technological intelligence is not highly valued in many Asian and African societies. Non-western cultures look for skills to relate to others, valuing self-reflection and collectivistic orientation over personal achievement. In the Indian tradition, intelligence is viewed as integral intelligence, which emphasizes connectivity with the social and world environment from a holistic perspective, paying equal attention to cognitive and non-cognitive processes.