Product Platforms, Firm Processes, and Firm Performance

Dr. Sergio Canavati
Assistant Professor School of Business and Economics, Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, CA

Cerent Engineering Science Complex, Salazar Hall 2009A
4:00 PM

Abstract – How strong is the relationship between an individual’s prior knowledge and the identification of entrepreneurial opportunities, and does the strength of this relationship vary across different dimensions of prior knowledge and types of opportunities (first- and thirdperson)? In addition, how does the interplay of the institutional context and individuals’ prior knowledge lead to the identification of entrepreneurial opportunities? This study examines the role of engineering knowledge, entrepreneurial experience, and formal education in the recognition of opportunity ideas and the formation of individual beliefs about the feasibility and desirability of the opportunity. We find that engineering knowledge and experience has the strongest correlation with the identification of opportunity ideas, but entrepreneurial experience is the strongest predictor of the formation of desirability and feasibility beliefs regarding the opportunity.

Dr. Sergio Canavati is an assistant professor of management at Sonoma State University. His research focuses on entrepreneurial opportunity recognition, family firms, and entrepreneurial leadership. Sergio also collaborates with North Coast SCORE to advice small and medium family businesses in the region. Sergio holds a Ph.D. in Economics and Entrepreneurship & Innovation from the University of Missouri- Kansas City.