A survey of business and science students’ intentions to engage in sustainable entrepreneurship

Abstract

ABSTRACT Despite growing literature on sustainable entrepreneurship, little is known currently about students’ intentions to engage in sustainable entrepreneurship in Nigeria. Based on the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), this study investigates Business and Science students’ intentions to engage in sustainability-oriented micro entrepreneurship. It also explores the mediating role of education for sustainable entrepreneurship (ESE) in the relationship between the TPB constructs and sustainable entrepreneurial intention. Data were gathered from 435 university students who graduated from entrepreneurship training of a university. Results of SmartPLS structural equation modelling indicate that attitude and subjective norms are significant and positive drivers of sustainable entrepreneurial intention, while perceived behavioural control is negative and non-significant. ESE has significant influence on intention, and also mediates the relationship between attitude, subjective norms, and sustainable entrepreneurial intention. The results will aid policymakers in the formulation and implementation of policies on sustainability-oriented entrepreneurial programmes in higher education institutions.