Unraveling the nexus: social entrepreneur intention and socioeconomic development with mediating role of entrepreneurial knowledge

Purpose

Social entrepreneurship is a topical issue in the context of entrepreneurial intention. Our quantitative study seeks to explore the complex and dynamic nexus of the ever-evolving landscape of entrepreneurial intentions, which results in socioeconomic development through the mediating influence of entrepreneurial knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

The South Asian region was considered a research population, considering its characteristics and inclination toward social entrepreneurial activities. The required data were collected using an online survey questionnaire. 330 questionnaires were mailed online to the targeted participants, and 239 responses were received and analyzed using SPSS and AMOS software.

Findings

The study found a significant positive relationship between entrepreneurial intention and socioeconomic development. A 1% improvement in entrepreneurial intention corresponds to a 40% increase in socioeconomic development and 17% enhancement in entrepreneurial knowledge. Our study also demonstrates that a 1% improvement in entrepreneurial intention brings about a substantial improvement of 26% in socioeconomic development when mediated by entrepreneurial knowledge.

Research limitations/implications

It is recommended that intentional learning spaces focus on intensifying social entrepreneurial intention and develop mechanisms for knowledge transfer platforms to facilitate knowledge sharing among social entrepreneurs. Organizations may support and take initiatives to bridge the gap between experienced and novice social entrepreneurs. Institutions may introduce incentive structures that promote sustainable entrepreneurship, highlight social entrepreneurs’ success stories, and emphasize the linkage between intention, knowledge, and positive societal outcomes.

Originality/value

Owing to the lack of literature and inadequate empirical research, our study was articulated to enhance existing knowledge and postulate the basis for high-order empirical studies in the context of social entrepreneurial intention backed by entrepreneurial knowledge. Moreover, this study provoked entrepreneurial intention based on the theory of planned behavior with the mediating influence of entrepreneurial knowledge, which adds a distinctive dimension to social entrepreneurial intention, enhances research originality, and provides practical implications for individuals seeking to thrive in dynamic environments.