Prior knowledge, bisociative mode of thinking and entrepreneurial opportunity identification

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.