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A Quantum view of entrepreneurial opportunity: moving beyond the Discovery and Creation views

Author

Listed:
  • Jiyao Chen

    (Oregon State University)

  • Stephen X. Zhang

    (University of Adelaide)

  • Erik Lundmark

    (Macquarie University
    Linköping University)

Abstract

This article sheds new light on the debate between the Discovery and Creation views of entrepreneurial opportunity by drawing on quantum theory. We develop the Quantum view of opportunity, which explains how opportunity is both discovered and created. The Quantum view holds that the ontology and epistemology of opportunity are fundamentally inseparable, which explains why opportunity can never be fully specified. We argue, similar to the Discovery view, that opportunity exists as latent states irrespective of entrepreneurs and that, similar to the Creation view, opportunity is instantiated through entrepreneurial action, which changes opportunity. We use the Quantum view as a thought-provoking metaphor that facilitates the breaking out of the mold of ingrained thinking and moves beyond the Discovery-Creation dichotomy to further our understanding of entrepreneurship. We discuss how the Quantum view relates to established theoretical and empirical research in the entrepreneurship field.

Suggested Citation

  • Jiyao Chen & Stephen X. Zhang & Erik Lundmark, 2024. "A Quantum view of entrepreneurial opportunity: moving beyond the Discovery and Creation views," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 63(4), pages 1539-1553, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:kap:sbusec:v:63:y:2024:i:4:d:10.1007_s11187-024-00887-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s11187-024-00887-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Entrepreneurial opportunity; Quantum mechanics; Metaphor; Agency; Duality; Uncertainty;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D81 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Criteria for Decision-Making under Risk and Uncertainty
    • L26 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Entrepreneurship
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives

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