Fostering entrepreneurial mindsets: the impact of learning motivation, personal innovativeness, technological self-efficacy, and human capital on entrepreneurial intention

Purpose In the context of exponential technological advancements in the economy and the role of entrepreneurial ventures in significantly contributing towards social and economic growth, this study aims to examine the influence of learning motivation and personal innovativeness (PI) on students’ entrepreneurship intention. The study gains relevance in the context of students in emerging economies like India, where the digital divide is still on the higher side. The study also seeks to understand the extent to which varying levels of technological self-efficacy moderate the interaction effects of human capital in the aforementioned relationship. Design/methodology/approach The sample for this study consisted of 330 students from various disciplines, including science, technology and management, who were selected randomly from different universities in India. A self-administered and structured questionnaire was used to obtain responses from the participants. The data were analysed using confirmatory factor analysis (IBM SPSS 23.0), and path analysis was performed using Hayes PROCESS Macro. Findings The study's results indicated that learning motivation and PI had a significant indirect effect on students’ entrepreneurship intention, mediated through human capital. However, interestingly, the relationships were varyingly influenced by technological self-efficacy as the moderator. Practical implications The contemporary student cohort consists of individuals known as “digital natives,” who possess a strong inclination towards digital learning and demonstrate innovative behaviour. The insights gained from this study underscore the crucial role of technological self-efficacy in shaping entrepreneurial intentions, indicating the necessity of incorporating technological training and skill development within international business education curricula. Also, the results of the study emphasize the need for integrating PI into business education programs, as it positively influences the entrepreneurial mindset and potential. Originality/value This study is pioneering in conceptualizing and testing a model that provides a more comprehensive understanding of student attitudes and outcomes. This understanding can be used to customize entrepreneurial programs to better meet the needs of students. Entrepreneurship fosters technological innovation and creates employment opportunities, making student venture creations a crucial factor in economic development and sustainability. For educators and university administrators, it is essential to comprehend how to enhance entrepreneurial intentions among students to design a learning environment that facilitates the creation of new ventures as a result of higher education.