Predicting entrepreneurial innovation in Ethiopia: a PLS-SEM analysis of prospective engineers’ intentions

Mulatu Tilahun Gelaw (), Eshetie Berhan and Gezahegn Tesfaye Dadi
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Mulatu Tilahun Gelaw: Addis Ababa University
Eshetie Berhan: Addis Ababa University
Gezahegn Tesfaye Dadi: Addis Ababa University

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, 2025, vol. 14, issue 1, 1-29

Abstract: Abstract Existing research has overlooked predictors of entrepreneurial innovation intention among engineering students in developing countries like Ethiopia. This study aimed to address this gap by investigating the predictors of intention to undertake entrepreneurial innovation (ItoEI) among 322 graduating class engineering students at Addis Ababa University. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires using a 5-point Likert scale and analyzed using the PLS-SEM approach with Smart PLS version 3.2.9 and SPSS version 26 software. The study examined the effects of five independent variables (Entrepreneurship Education, Personal Traits, Attitude, Subjective Norms, and Perceived Behavioral Control) on students’ ItoEI. All five variables showed a positive relationship with ItoEI, with Entrepreneurship Education, Attitude, and Subjective Norms being the most significant predictors. In contrast, Perceived Behavioral Control and Personal Traits had insignificant effects. While this study makes a valuable contribution to the field by identifying predictors of entrepreneurial innovation intention (ItoEI) among engineering students in Ethiopia, it does have some limitations. The cross-sectional design and small sample size may limit the generalizability of the findings. To further enhance our understanding of ItoEI among engineering students in developing countries, future research should consider adopting a longitudinal approach, utilizing a larger and more diverse sample, and exploring additional variables. This will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing ItoEI in the larger context.

Keywords: Entrepreneurship education; Intention to entrepreneurial innovation (ItoEI); Personal trait; Partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM); Theory of planned behavior (TPB) (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1186/s13731-025-00581-x

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