Empowering Digital Entrepreneurs: An Integrated Framework of Education, Mindset, Skills and Motivation

Abstract

This study examines the influence of digital entrepreneurial education on digital entrepreneurial behaviour, employing a sequential mediation framework that incorporates mindset, passion, and motivation. Building on self-determination theory and entrepreneurial mindset literature, this research explores how digital entrepreneurial education (DEE) shapes behaviour through the development of a digital entrepreneurial mindset (DEM), the cultivation of entrepreneurial passion, and the enhancement of entrepreneurial motivation. It surveyed people involved in various forms of digital entrepreneurship initiatives, including students, startup founders, and employees whose jobs were in digital-centric industries—the analysis of the hypothesised pathways employed structural equation modelling (SEM). Findings indicate an important indirect influence of DEE on digital entrepreneurial behaviour (DEB) by the serially mediated effects of mindset, passion, and motivation. The mediating variables were strongest in the direct effect when it came to the influence of motivation on behaviour. In contrast, passion also acted as a central emotional link between mindset and motivation. The findings make theoretical contributions to the development of the field of digital entrepreneurship by confirming a broad mediation model that links education and behaviour through cognitive and affective constructs. In practice, the research will provide recommendations to practitioners and policymakers who play a role in educating and supporting potential entrepreneurs. It highlights the need for comprehensive education in entrepreneurship that extends beyond technical training also to foster the development of mindsets and emotional involvement.