Cultivating digital entrepreneurs: Unravelling factors shaping digital entrepreneurship intention among engineering students in higher education

Abstract

This study explores the impact of digital literacy, entrepreneurial mindset, digital entrepreneur attitudes, and perceived behavioral control on individuals' intentions to pursue digital entrepreneurship. Moreover, it elucidates the potential impact of perceived behavioral control as a moderator on variables that influence digital entrepreneurial intention. This study centers on the higher education landscape in Indonesia, with a particular emphasis on Universitas Negeri Padang. The data collected from the sample of 410 participants who satisfied the validity criteria were subsequently analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling as the research model. The study's findings indicate that the entrepreneurial mindset has a positive impact on both the attitude of digital entrepreneurs and their locus of control. Enhancing digital literacy enhances the mindset, attitudes, and intentions of entrepreneurs. Moreover, the attitudes of digital entrepreneurs have a positive impact on their sense of control and their intention to take action. The locus of power has no impact on individuals' future intentions to transition into digital enterprises. Unexpectedly, the moderator's ability to regulate behavior does not affect the engineering students' proficiency in digital skills, their attitudes toward digital entrepreneurs, or their perception of control over their digital entrepreneurship plans. The study further demonstrates the utility of understanding the impact of digital literacy on students' perspectives, cognitive processes, and entrepreneurial decisions. This study has significant academic and practical implications for individuals seeking to establish their digital enterprises.