Domain Learning and Opportunity Development in a High-Tech Context

This study draws from learning and opportunity development theories to develop and test a conceptual model of opportunity development. Using a sample of technology entrepreneurs in university incubators we explore the unique and joint effects of prior knowledge and learning on sales expectations and product innovativeness. Results suggest that domain knowledge of technology and demand are of unequal value to opportunity development. Domains of prior knowledge relate differently to outcomes but demand learning relates to sales expectations and product innovativeness. Findings suggest the types and sequence of knowledge are important to understanding opportunity development.