Influence of entrepreneurship support programs on nascent entrepreneurial intention among university students in China

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the impact of entrepreneurial educational support (NEES), entrepreneurial activities support (NEAS), and entrepreneurial commercialization support (NECS) on the nascent entrepreneurial intention (NEI) by mediating roles of entrepreneurial self-efficacy (NESE), opportunity recognition (OR), and the moderating effect of meaning in life (MLI). Data were gathered using a survey questionnaire from the 868 management, engineering, technical, and vocational institute students of China. The NEI model was analyzed using the partial least squares structural equation modeling through Smart-PLS software. The findings of the study reveal that NEES, NEAS, and NECS have a positive effect on NEI. Meanwhile, results indicate that NESE and OR partially mediate the relationship between entrepreneurship support programs and nascent entrepreneurial intention. Furthermore, the relationship between NESE and the NEI was insignificantly influenced by MLI, and the relationship between OR and the NEI was significantly moderated by MLI. Lastly, implications and limitations are also discussed in this article.