Research on the Influence of Network Social Capital on the Search of Digital Entrepreneurial Opportunities

ABSTRACT Leveraging the theory of information source selection to minimize the cost associated with identifying digital entrepreneurial opportunities, this study investigates the impact of utilizing network social capital on digital entrepreneurial opportunity search under opportunity‐oriented regulation. Drawing upon information source selection theory and network social capital theory, the researchers constructed a model to explain the mechanism by which network social capital affects digital entrepreneurial opportunity discovery. Seven key factors influence information source selection. These factors are perceived quality, perceived accessibility, perceived value, perceived benefit, perceived ease of use, attachment type and content type. They were designated as mediating variables. Opportunity‐oriented regulation was incorporated as a moderating variable. The data were collected through a questionnaire survey, and then the data were analysed and hypothesis tested. The findings indicate a positive relationship between network social capital and the identification of digital entrepreneurial opportunities. Moreover, network social capital significantly and positively affects all seven mediating variables related to information source selection: perceived quality, perceived accessibility, perceived value, perceived benefit, perceived ease of use, attachment type and content type. The moderating variable, opportunity‐oriented, demonstrated a positive effect on the relationship between information source selection and digital entrepreneurial opportunity search. These research conclusions offer valuable insights for digital entrepreneurship teams, established enterprises and relevant government bodies.