Title: Prior knowledge, bisociative mode of thinking and entrepreneurial opportunity identification

Authors: Stephen Ko, John E. Butler

Addresses: Department of Management and Marketing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong SAR, China. ' Department of Management and Marketing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong SAR, China

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships among prior knowledge, bisociative thinking mode and entrepreneurial opportunity identification in a sample of 197 technology-based entrepreneurs. Results indicate that bisociative thinking mode of an entrepreneur mediates the relationship between prior knowledge and entrepreneurial opportunity identification. In addition, the relationship between prior knowledge and entrepreneurial opportunity identification is stronger for high-technology entrepreneurs. Implications for research and practice are also discussed.

Keywords: bisociation; prior knowledge; opportunity identification; entrepreneurship; bisociative thinking; entrepreneurial opportunity; high-technology entrepreneurs.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESB.2006.008659

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 2006 Vol.3 No.1, pp.3 - 16

Published online: 13 Jan 2006 *

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