A Review and Future Directions for Research

The main focus of this paper is on individuals and/or groups of individuals who create or seize a new technology-based or knowledge-intensive entrepreneurial opportunity. For this purpose, a theoretical framework for studying entrepreneurship, using financial, social and human capital, including social ties and networks, has been developed. Research themes or questions concerning how social ties and entrepreneurs’ background affect the funding, launching and subsequent development of a new venture in high-tech or knowledge-intensive sectors are outlined. Also of interest here is how the presence or absence of important environmental factors, such as financing opportunities and involvement in a technology business incubator, can affect the success or failure of entrepreneurial efforts. After reviewing the existing literature, the paper concludes by presenting future research challenges and practical implications for organisations and individuals willing to take advantage of entrepreneurial opportunitie