ABSTRACT
Entrepreneurial preparedness (EP) as an emerging concept within the entrepreneurial learning literature requires conceptual and empirical advancement. We aim to clarify the conceptualisation of EP, and to study how EP occurs in new venture creation and management. Drawing on evidence from an exploratory case study of two Chinese high-tech private enterprises, we define EP as a cumulative, social and purposeful learning process, and highlight the roles of experiential learning, social learning and entrepreneurial goals as mechanisms enabling EP in new venture creation and management. We contribute to the entrepreneurial learning theory by advancing our understanding of EP.
