Entrepreneurs’ Opportunities: From Exploratory learning to Entrepreneurial Improvisation

Yi Hong and Ting Nie

PLOS ONE, 2026, vol. 21, issue 2, 1-15

Abstract: Purpose: In today’s highly dynamic environment, the ability of entrepreneurs to accurately recognize and quickly respond to opportunities plays an important role in their entrepreneurial performance. Entrepreneurial improvisation has gained wide attention. Based on the Stimulus-Organism-Response Theory, this study aims to examine the influence mechanism and boundary conditions of exploratory learning on entrepreneurial improvisation. Design/methodology/approach: Based on a two-wave survey of 303 members from five entrepreneurial platforms in mainland China, the dual moderating effects of environmental dynamism and risk-taking propensity on the relationship between exploratory learning and entrepreneurial improvisation were validated. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 26.0, Amos 26.0, and Process 4.0 software, covering mediation effects, moderation effects, and moderated mediation effects. Findings: Opportunity identification mediated the relationship between exploratory learning and entrepreneurial improvisation. Environmental dynamism positively moderated the relationship between exploratory learning and entrepreneurial improvisation. Risk-taking propensity negatively moderated the relationship between exploratory learning and entrepreneurial improvisation. Research implications: Exploratory learning can facilitate entrepreneurial improvisation by enhancing opportunity identification. In a high dynamic environment, individuals with low risk-taking propensity are more likely to show higher entrepreneurial improvisation due to exploratory learning and opportunity identification. Originality: The study can contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the formation and boundary conditions of entrepreneurial improvisational behaviors. It can also provide further empirical support for research on improvisation in entrepreneurship.

Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:plo:pone00:0342551

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0342551

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