Opportunity recognition: A learning and cognitive approach

This dissertation explores one of the most fundamental issues within entrepreneurship research by examining how non-existent products and services are created. Specifically, the primary objective of this study is to examine the relationship between an individual's learning mode, cognitive style, human capital and his or her ability to recognize and develop new business opportunities in a high technology environment. This study contributes to the current research by providing empirical evidence which suggests that the manner in which one assimilates and processes information has a significant impact on one's ability to recognize opportunities. This work brings a new concept into the current conversation from educational psychology—learning mode—and details its importance in the opportunity recognition process.