Entrepreneurship in university: A logit methodological evaluation in an emerging economy

Abstract

Self-employment has now become one of the most important access routes to the labor market in emerging economies. In these countries, the role of women entrepreneurs is fundamental not only for their economic development but also to fight against the gender gap. The university, as an institution, is a hub of potential entrepreneurs, which could help reduce these differences. This work explores if there is a gender gap in the inclination towards entrepreneurship among university students from a developing country (Ecuador) and the determining factors of entrepreneurial intention by gender. Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior, the study analyzes the moderating role of gender in university entrepreneurship. Multivariate logit regression was used to examine motivational factors (personal attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control) that favor entrepreneurial intention. The data reveals that entrepreneurial intention is lower among female students. The determinants of entrepreneurial intention are different by gender. The study contributes to a better understanding of the role of gender in entrepreneurial behavior.