Whether ChatGPT adoption inspires higher education students’ digital entrepreneurial intention? An integrated model of the SCCT and the TPB

Purpose This study aims to integrate the Social Cognitive Career Theory with the Theory of Planned Behavior to unravel the intricate dynamics of how engaging with ChatGPT affects individuals’ digital entrepreneurial intention, underlying the serial mediation mechanism of the cognitive and reasoned career process. Design/methodology/approach This research use a cross-sectional design, drawing on a sample of 604 higher education students from six universities in Vietnam. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to test the formulated hypotheses after assessing the reliability and validity of scales through Cronbach’s alpha and confirmatory factor analysis. Findings The results indicate that ChatGPT adoption significantly increases perceived AI competencies, entrepreneurial opportunity recognition and digital entrepreneurial self-efficacy. Digital entrepreneurial self-efficacy was found to have a positive impact on attitudes toward digital entrepreneurship, which, in turn, fosters digital entrepreneurial intention. ChatGPT adoption thus poses serial indirect impacts on digital entrepreneurial intention through the sequential pathways of enhanced digital entrepreneurial self-efficacy and positive attitudes. Practical implications This study’s findings provide valuable recommendations for entrepreneurs, higher education institutions and policymakers. Originality/value This research contributes to the entrepreneurship literature by integrating two prominent theoretical frameworks to elucidate how ChatGPT adoption impacts digital entrepreneurial intentions. The serial mediation model expands that understanding of the complex cognitive and reasoned processes involved, providing a novel perspective on the role of AI in entrepreneurship.