Search Results (112)

This study examined the impact of entrepreneurship education in sustainability on entrepreneurial intention using the theory of planned behavior (TPB). The MEMORE macro was used to analyze within-subject mediation and enabled us to examine how entrepreneurial intention is affected by changes in the factors of the theory of planned behavior (attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control). The survey follows a questionnaire-based, pre-test-post-test design (the research involved 271 business administration students in Athens). A paired sample t-test was used to analyze changes in attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and entrepreneurial intention before and after education. The results indicated that after the entrepreneurship course in sustainability, students indicated a significant positive change in entrepreneurial intention, attitude, and perceived behavioral control. MEMORE macro indicated that only the change in perceived behavioral control positively influenced the increase in entrepreneurial intention levels. Based on these findings, entrepreneurship education in sustainability enhances students’ entrepreneurial intentions by increasing their perceived behavioral control. As a result, students’ confidence and knowledge regarding sustainable entrepreneurship are fundamental to the development of sustainable entrepreneurial mindsets. This study emphasizes the importance of integrating targeted pedagogical approaches that enhance perceived behavioral control in sustainable entrepreneurship education by equipping students with practical knowledge and skills to overcome psychological barriers. The use of the MEMORE macro highlights this study’s innovation, uncovering new relationships between the examined variables. Full article

This study examines how Generation Z’s values align with entrepreneurial orientation in the Fourth Sector (FS), which merges public, private, and non-profit dynamics to balance financial sustainability with socio-environmental impact. Using Structural Equation Modeling with Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS), we analyze the influence of economic–financial, biospheric, and altruistic values of the university students’ inclination toward entrepreneurship in the FS. The study draws on a convenience sample of 139 undergraduate students from the School of Economics and Business Sciences at the University of Extremadura, located in the Autonomous Community of Extremadura, Spain. Our findings reveal that economic–financial values are the strongest predictor, underscoring the enduring importance of financial viability in shaping entrepreneurial intent. Biospheric values also play a significant role, highlighting sustainability and environmental awareness as key motivators. While altruistic values exhibit a positive relationship with FS entrepreneurship, this effect is not statistically significant, indicating that Generation Z prioritizes economic and environmental considerations over pure altruism when engaging in this sector. These insights contribute to the understanding of how a group of university students from Generation Z approaches sustainable business models and provide strategic guidance for fostering entrepreneurship that effectively integrates financial sustainability with environmental responsibility. Specifically, Generation Z is expected to be particularly receptive to entrepreneurship initiatives focused on biodiversity conservation. Full article

Entrepreneurship has long been a key driver of economic development across various countries. Investigating the determinants of entrepreneurial behaviour is essential for making a meaningful contribution to sustainable development. This study investigated the determinants of entrepreneurial behaviour among university of technology and TVET college students in South Africa, utilising the modified theory of planned behaviour. Specifically, the study explored how risk-taking propensity, financial and non-financial support, media, and gender influence perceived behavioural control, entrepreneurial intention, and behaviour. Additionally, the study tested the direct effects of perceived behavioural control on both entrepreneurial intention and entrepreneurial behaviour, as well as the direct effect of entrepreneurial intention on entrepreneurial behaviour. An online, structured, self-administered questionnaire was utilised to gather data from 496 finalyear diploma students at a university of technology and a TVET college, using a convenience sampling technique. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was applied to analyse the data and test the postulated hypotheses. The findings revealed that non-financial support positively affected entrepreneurial intention, perceived behavioural control, and entrepreneurial behaviour, while financial support did not. Risk-taking propensity significantly influenced perceived behavioural control, entrepreneurial intention, and entrepreneurial behaviour. The results revealed that the gender was negatively related to perceived behavioural control, and female students exhibited lower perceived behavioural control than their male counterparts. However, gender showed no significant association with entrepreneurial intention or entrepreneurial behaviour. Media had a positive influence on both entrepreneurial intention and perceived behavioural control but did not significantly affect entrepreneurial behaviour. Additionally, both entrepreneurial intention and entrepreneurial behaviour were positively influenced by perceived behavioural control, while entrepreneurial intention also was positively associated with entrepreneurial behaviour. These findings underscore the critical role of fostering a supportive entrepreneurial environment in shaping entrepreneurial behaviour. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers and educators to cultivate an environment that supports students in developing as entrepreneurs. The results can inform policymakers in implementing support interventions aimed at enhancing entrepreneurial capacity among the youth. Promoting entrepreneurship is vital in achieving sustainable development goals through job creation and poverty alleviation. Full article

The aim of this paper is to clarify the influence mechanism and role paths of the entrepreneurial behavior of the underclass groups (EBUG) involved in urbanization from a microcosmic perspective and propose sustainable development paths for the transition of underclass groups’ entrepreneurship from the subsistence type to the opportunistic type. Based on the theories of planned behavior, the entrepreneurial event model, and social cognitive theory, this study constructs a theoretical framework of “intention–situation–behavior” of the EBUG involved in urbanization. Through a questionnaire survey conducted in three major urban agglomerations in Zhejiang Province, the theoretical model is validated by using structural equation modeling (SEM). On the one hand, perceived desirability, perceived feasibility, and land expropriation all have a significant positive influence on entrepreneurial behavior. On the other hand, land expropriation has a significant moderating effect on entrepreneurial intentions and behaviors. When the moderating role of land expropriation is not considered, underclass groups are more likely to engage in opportunistic-type entrepreneurship, which is primarily driven by perceived desirability such as achievement motivation and innovation orientation. In contrast, when land expropriation is considered, these groups tend to focus on survival entrepreneurship, which is mainly influenced by perceived feasibility factors such as social capital and market opportunities. The future survival and development of underclass groups is contingent upon urbanization, with the potential to influence the stability and sustainable development of society. The government should enhance the underclass groups’ perceived desirability through skill conversion, financial innovation, and digital empowerment; improve their perceived feasibility through the entrepreneurial resilience-building platform and the “Village Sage Mentorship System”; and refine the land expropriation policy by means of the securitization of collective assets, the multifunctional utilization of rural homesteads, and the cultivation of localized new business formats. By doing so, it can promote the transformation of the underclass groups’ entrepreneurship from the “subsistence type” to the “opportunistic type”. Full article

The question of what motivates entrepreneurs to maintain and grow their ventures beyond the startup phase remains an underexplored aspect of entrepreneurship research. Using data from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, GEM (2023), this study examines four key entrepreneurial motivations among 103 established Croatian entrepreneurs who are making a difference in the world, building great wealth or a very high income, continuing a family tradition, and earning a living. Employing a multivariate multiple regression approach, we analyze how sociodemographic factors, opportunity perception, fear of failure, media influences, and sustainability-oriented mindsets (e.g., UN SDG awareness) influence these diverse motivations. Findings reveal distinct motivational patterns: socially responsible mindsets and awareness of the SDGs primarily drive the aspiration to “make a difference”, while age, perceived opportunities, and fear of failure reinforce the pursuit of wealth. Media narratives uniquely influence the intent to “continue a family tradition”, while necessity-driven motives—linked to fear of failure and lower growth ambitions—predominate among those aiming simply to “earn a living”. By applying a systems thinking approach, this research illustrates how interdependent factors create distinct motivational clusters, and it highlights the importance of tailored policies and support programs for established entrepreneurs seeking sustainable growth. It contributes to the interdisciplinary discourse on entrepreneurship, offering insights for policymakers, educators, and advisors working to foster resilient and innovative entrepreneurial ecosystems. Full article

This study investigates the entrepreneurial intentions of Saudi female students, focusing on the underexplored role of accounting knowledge within the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) framework, to support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals of gender-inclusive economic diversification. Using a qualitative multiple-case study design, the research analyzes interviews with 45 female business students and an in-depth case study of a graduate entrepreneur to examine how entrepreneurial attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control (PBC)—particularly through accounting education and institutional support—shape entrepreneurial intentions. The results reveal that PBC dominates entrepreneurial intentions (80% of thematic prevalence), being heavily influenced by accounting literacy (18%) and entrepreneurship education (58%). While subjective norms show positive shifts due to socio-institutional reforms, accounting knowledge emerges as a critical yet underutilized cognitive factor in enhancing financial decision-making capabilities. This study contributes to the sustainable entrepreneurship literature by uniquely integrating accounting competencies into the TPB model as a key enabler of PBC, offering a context-sensitive framework for women’s entrepreneurship in transitional economies. The research provides practical insights for policymakers and educators to bridge the intention–behavior gap through curriculum development, ecosystem support, and gender-inclusive policy reforms. Full article

Entrepreneurship plays a fundamental role in sustainable economic development, particularly in the field of industrial engineering. This study analyzes the determinants of sustainable entrepreneurial intention among students from public and private universities in Peru. A quantitative, non-experimental, and cross-sectional methodology was employed, using structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine the causal relationships between entrepreneurial intention and its key determinants: attitude, subjective aspects, perceived behavioral control, advantages, and obstacles. The sample consisted of 200 students from public and private universities. The results indicate that attitude towards entrepreneurship and perceived advantages are significant predictors of entrepreneurial intention in both university types. However, perceived behavioral control showed a significant effect only among private university students, suggesting that institutional resources may influence entrepreneurial self-efficacy. The study also identified differences in the perception of advantages and obstacles between the two groups. The findings underscore the need for tailored educational interventions to foster entrepreneurship, considering institutional contexts. These results contribute to understanding how sustainability-driven entrepreneurship education can enhance entrepreneurial potential, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to quality education (SDG 4), economic growth (SDG 8), and innovation (SDG 9). Full article

Today, the world is facing two major issues: unemployment and environmental degradation. To promote employment, universities and higher educational institutions all over the world are boosting entrepreneurial intentions among students to overcome the challenge of unemployment. Moreover, in higher educational institutions in developed and developing countries, sustainability is being promoted. However, Pakistan is far behind in applying these concepts simultaneously. Hence, the objective of the study is to promote sustainable entrepreneurial intentions among the students. For the said purpose, considering the inconsistent findings in the literature where the theory of planned behavior is used to cater to entrepreneurial intentions, entrepreneurial fear and the use of artificial intelligence are added to the theory of planned behavior as a moderator with the support of protection motivation theory and experiential learning theory. The data have been collected from 384 students studying at higher educational institutions in Pakistan. The developed framework has been evaluated using SMART PLS3. The findings confirmed that personal attitude, perceived behavioral control, and perceived feasibility significantly influence sustainable entrepreneurial intentions. Moreover, the synergistic moderation of entrepreneurial fear, as well as the use of artificial intelligence in teaching, is significant. This study ends up with policy guidelines and limitations along with future directions. Full article

Purpose: This research aims to explore the impact of sustainable entrepreneurial intentions on business performance within small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in China. It investigates how sustainable entrepreneurship mediates this relationship and examines the moderating roles of behavioral intention and environmental sustainability orientation. Method: The study utilized a quantitative approach, collecting data from 239 employees working across various SMEs in China through a structured survey. The measurement scales were adopted from established research to ensure reliability and validity. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed using Stata-SEM for data analysis, allowing for a comprehensive examination of direct, indirect, and moderating effects. Findings: The results indicate that sustainable entrepreneurial intentions significantly influence business performance, with sustainable entrepreneurship serving as a crucial mediator in this relationship. Behavioral intentions and environmental sustainability orientation were found to significantly moderate the impact of sustainable entrepreneurial intentions on business performance. These findings highlight the importance of integrating sustainability practices and personal commitment into business strategies. Originality/Implications: This research contributes to the theoretical and practical understanding of sustainable entrepreneurship by providing empirical evidence on the mediating and moderating effects within SMEs. It offers actionable insights for entrepreneurs, managers, and policymakers to enhance business performance through strategic sustainability efforts. The study also suggests avenues for future research to further explore these dynamics across different contexts. Full article

To promote sustainable rural development and digital transformation and based on 2018 county-level digital rural indices and microdata from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPSs), this study examines how the digital environment impacts the entrepreneurial behavior of rural households. The results of the study were as follows: (1) The optimization of the digital environment significantly increases entrepreneurial possibilities for farmers, indicating that, the higher the digital rural development index, the easier it is for farmers to start their own businesses. (2) As digital village construction progresses, the impacts of digital hard environments on rural household entrepreneurship decrease, while the influence of digital soft environments increases. (3) Mechanism analysis reveals that digital literacy facilitates farmers’ entrepreneurial behavior through the digital environment. Farmers with stronger intentions to participate in commercial activities and information acquisition more actively utilize the digital environment to seek business opportunities and make entrepreneurial decisions. (4) Further analysis reveals an inverted U-shaped relationship between the “second-level digital divide”, represented by digital literacy, and the development of digital villages. (5) To fully implement China’s Digital Rural Strategy, it is crucial to not only establish digital infrastructure but to also enhance farmers’ digital literacy and promote the development of a digital soft environment. Full article

This study examines the impact of entrepreneurship education on shaping entrepreneurial intentions among business administration students at Tayma University College. Utilizing both the Entrepreneurial Intention Model (EIM) and the Entrepreneurship Education Framework (EEF), this research assesses how content, pedagogical approaches, and the learning environment influence students’ entrepreneurial aspirations. A survey of 135 male and female students was conducted, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the relationships between educational factors and entrepreneurial intentions. The findings show that comprehensive course content, interactive teaching methods, and a supportive educational environment significantly enhance students’ perceived feasibility and desirability of entrepreneurship. Moreover, attitudes towards entrepreneurship mediate the relationship between education and entrepreneurial intentions. This study contributes to the growing literature by providing insights into how targeted entrepreneurship education can foster entrepreneurial intentions, particularly within the context of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative to promote economic diversification and youth empowerment. This study not only explores entrepreneurial education but also highlights its contribution to sustainability. By fostering a mindset that aligns with the socio-economic goals of Vision 2030, entrepreneurship education promotes sustainable economic growth and prepares students to contribute to a diversified and resilient economy. Full article

Entrepreneurship Education (EE) is renowned for developing students’ managerial aptitudes, skills, and ideas for self-reliance. The inclusion of digital technology and innovation in EE is necessary to enhance Entrepreneurial Intention (EI) and Entrepreneurial Motivation (EM) for technological revolution and economic development. The aim of the systematic literature review is to (i) identify the current study on digital technologies, innovation, EE, EI, and EM, (ii) highlight how digital technology and innovation shape EE to achieve EI and motivation among students, and (iii) offer new advice on the future EE in a digital era. A search strategy was instituted to ascertain the required publications from Scopus, Web of Science, DOAJ, IEEE, ProQuest, SAGE Journals, Taylor & Francis, and Wiley. The publications were between 2010 and 2024, with no language restrictions. Out of the 108 identified publications from the search, 69 publications representing 54 separate papers were used in the review. Digital transformation in EE requires significant studies to determine its role in economic development and job creation. This review identified several themes in the publications, such as innovation, motivation, skills development, digital technology, EE’s impact, and factors of EE. The sustainability and future expectations of EE through digital technology and innovation are highlighted in the review. The study identified several findings, such as factors depriving EE, such as experience, investment, teachers, infrastructure, technology, market size, government, competition, culture, and funds. Further findings are a strategic vision of EE through policies to embrace innovation and digital technology practices and to achieve EM and EI. Also, the selected papers for the review are current publications at 61.1%, the quantitative method at 42.3% and journal articles at 88.9%. It is prudent to review EE’s appropriateness in a digital and innovative environment and to identify the impact on EM and EI among students. Full article

Entrepreneurial education is an established phenomenon that enhances entrepreneurship, which is critical for economic sustainability. The study investigated converting entrepreneurial education into entrepreneurial intentions in graduating university students. It was expected that entrepreneurial mindset and entrepreneurial alertness play a significant role in this process. A questionnaire was developed, and data was collected from students either graduating or in their last year of undergraduate studies. Regression analysis using AMOS was conducted to test the relationships among study variables. Results indicate that entrepreneurial mindset and entrepreneurial alertness have mediating roles in the process separately. Entrepreneurial alertness is the most significant mediator in converting the effect of entrepreneurship education into entrepreneurial intentions. Entrepreneurial mindset also partially mediates the effect of entrepreneurship education on entrepreneurial intentions. The findings of this study are essential for educational planners and organizations in the entrepreneurial ecosystem to evaluate the effectiveness of entrepreneurial education in training programs. Future studies may consider replicating this study in different physical and cultural settings. Full article

Despite the growing interest in entrepreneurship education and its impact on entrepreneurial intention, there is limited research on why students’ entrepreneurial intentions change over time. It has been observed that university students’ intentions to pursue entrepreneurship are higher when they enroll in entrepreneurship courses; however, these intentions usually shift both before and after the completion of the entrepreneurship course. This study investigates the shift in entrepreneurial intention among university students. Utilizing a mixed-method approach, this study combines the qualitative research tools of interviews and diaries to explore the evolution of students’ entrepreneurial intentions. The research sample consisted of undergraduate university students of a Greek university who had attended an entrepreneurship and innovation course as part of their first-year curriculum in the academic year 2020–2021. The study utilized 163 structured interviews and complementary diary research on 96 students from the same cohort in the academic year 2023–2024. NVivo12 software (32 bits version) was used to analyze the primary data. The findings highlight notable changes in students’ entrepreneurial intentions as a result of a variety of factors, including the allure of the entrepreneurial idea, cohesiveness of the teams, teaching strategies employed, support provided by the university and their families, and certain personality traits. These findings provide valuable insights for educators and policymakers to better support and sustain entrepreneurial intentions among students, while also further expanding the understanding of the strategy development needs of entrepreneurship counseling and education, as very limited research has been conducted on this issue. Full article

In the current global context, characterized by increasing competitiveness and dynamism, entrepreneurship has emerged as a fundamental driver of economic development and job creation. This study aims to compare the levels of entrepreneurial competence and intention among fifth-year high school students in Chepén and Pacasmayo, Peru, as well as to identify the key entrepreneurial competencies that significantly influence entrepreneurial intention. Additionally, it seeks to examine the moderating roles of self-assessed entrepreneurial capabilities and perceived risk in starting a business on the relationship between competencies and entrepreneurial intention. Additionally, it seeks to examine the moderating role of self-assessment of entrepreneurial capabilities and the perception of risk in starting a business in the relationship between competencies and entrepreneurial intention. The study is based on Ajzen’s theory of planned behavior. The sample included 305 students, divided between 205 from Chepén and 100 from Pacasmayo, who participated in a structured survey. The results of the structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis revealed that creativity, risk-taking, and initiative significantly influence students’ entrepreneurial intentions. However, competencies such as problem solving, networking, achievement orientation, teamwork, and autonomy did not show significant relationships with entrepreneurial intention. Moreover, neither the self-assessment of entrepreneurial capability nor the perception of the risk of starting a business had significant moderating effects on the relationship between entrepreneurial competence and intention. The discussion highlights that these findings contribute to understanding the psychological mechanisms underlying the formation of entrepreneurial intentions among high school students and offer valuable guidance for designing educational programs that enhance key entrepreneurial competencies. In conclusion, this study represents a significant advancement in comprehending the role of entrepreneurial competencies in shaping entrepreneurial intentions among secondary school students and opens new avenues for future research in this field. Full article