Three One Million Dollar Questions : An exploratory study on how the entrepreneurial process affects opportunity realization of Swedish INVs.

Abstract: Background: With the high pace global market development we are experiencing that there is a need for entreprenurs to always be alert and seize opportunities when they appear, espcially in the SME- sector. Researchers have during the years worked with questions surrounding the area of International New Ventures, different opportunity aspects and entreprenurial processes. However there seems to be a gap in the research surrounding the correlation between these related areas and how it effects the opportunity realization process. This gap has lead the researchers to the purpose and the research question stated below. Research question: What is the role of the entrepreneurial process in opportunity realization of Swedish INVs? Purpose: To conduct an exploratory study to further the knowledge within the field of opportunity realization within Swedish INVs and to see the impact that the entrepreneurial process in the shape of Causation and Effectuation logics has in terms of the realization process. Methodology: The researchers worked through an abductive approch with an exploratory purpose where the empirical findings were gathered from four different case companies that operated in different business sectors. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in order to collect primary data, founded in the qualitative method background. Conclusion: The conclusion shows that a correct assessment of the capabilities of the entrepreneur is extremely important. Failing to provide a correct assessment may lead to a misinterpreted opportunity which may lead to a failure in terms of Opportunity realization. The authors concluded that the role of the entreprenerial process is very central in the Opportunity realization process, especially in the beginning of the venture.