Digital technology application, network strategy and opportunity recognition in Chinese entrepreneurial firms

Purpose Entrepreneurial boundaries and activities have changed with the widespread use of digital technologies. However, few studies have examined DTA’s effect on opportunity recognition, leading to a vague understanding of this relationship. Design/methodology/approach Building on the digital entrepreneurship perspective, we explore the underlying mediating mechanism and contextual conditions in the relationship between digital technology application (DTA) and opportunity recognition using data from Chinese entrepreneurial firms. Findings DTA positively affects opportunity recognition and network strategy mediates the relationship between DTA and opportunity recognition. Environmental uncertainty positively moderates DTA’s indirect effect on opportunity recognition through network strategies. Originality/value Our findings contribute to digital entrepreneurship literature by explaining how DTA promotes entrepreneurial firms’ opportunity recognition through network strategies.