Bridging Internal Knowledge and Social Networks: A Pathway to Entrepreneurial Succes

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the critical role of knowledge resources in fostering entrepreneurial success, specifically focusing on the impact of prior knowledge and social network characteristics on knowledge resource availability. Drawing on the Knowledge-Based View (KBV), the study posits that entrepreneurs with extensive prior knowledge are better positioned to identify, acquire, and leverage essential resources, thus enhancing their business performance. Furthermore, it explores how social network characteristics—such as network centrality, density, and diversity—facilitate access to valuable information, expertise, and support, thereby influencing knowledge resource availability. The study addresses key gaps in the literature, particularly in understanding the mechanisms through which prior knowledge and social networks contribute to resource acquisition and decision-making in entrepreneurial ventures. Using a quantitative cross-sectional design, the research collects data from 300 entrepreneurs and small business owners across diverse industries via convenience sampling. The study operationalizes three constructs: prior knowledge, social network characteristics, and knowledge resource availability, utilizing established scales to assess industry-specific knowledge, network dynamics, and access to resources. Data analysis will employ Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to test the hypothesized relationships and evaluate the measurement model’s reliability and validity. The findings are expected to make a significant theoretical contribution to KBV by highlighting the integrative role of individual and social resources in enhancing knowledge availability within entrepreneurial ecosystems. Practical implications for entrepreneurs include the importance of continuous knowledge development and cultivating diverse, trust-based networks, while policymakers and business development organizations can design interventions to improve entrepreneurs' access to resources. Future research directions include examining the long-term effects of knowledge resource availability on entrepreneurial success and exploring how digital platforms reshape the dynamics of social networks in resource-constrained environments. This study aims to advance both theoretical and practical understandings of entrepreneurial resource management, offering valuable insights for the field.