Objective: This study examines the effect of Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO) on the business performance of culinary Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in West Java, with opportunity recognition positioned as a mediating variable and learning outcome. Method: Using a quantitative approach with an explanatory survey, the Ministry of Communication and Information collected data from 301 MSME owners or managers registered in the Digital Entrepreneurship Academy (DEA) program. EO was measured through five dimensions: innovativeness, proactiveness, risk-taking, competitive aggressiveness, and autonomy, while business performance was assessed through internal process perspectives. Data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Results: The findings show that EO has a positive and significant direct effect on business performance and indirectly through opportunity recognition. Opportunity recognition partially mediates the relationship between EO and performance, highlighting its strategic role. Novelty: The novelty of this study lies in conceptualizing opportunity recognition not only as a cognitive ability but as a learning outcome of entrepreneurial behavior. This perspective emphasizes its developmental potential through entrepreneurship education and training, providing theoretical insight and practical implications for MSME resilience and growth strategies in emerging economies
Rahmi et al. (Tue,) studied this question.