Title:
Entrepreneurial Intention in Higher Education: The Influence of Entrepreneurship Education and Innovation Capacity

Authors:
Kelhoukhrietuo Nagi, Dhrubajyoti Bordoloi, Petekhrienuo Keditsu, Hovikunu Natso4, Ditalak Mpanme, India

Abstract:

This study aims to understand the entrepreneurial intentions of the students in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) by examining the effect of Entrepreneurship Education (EE) and Innovation Capacity (IC) on intentions of the students. The respondents for this study were students enrolled in different HEIs across Nagaland, and data were collected online using a structured questionnaire distributed through Google Forms. A total of 210 responses were collected and used for final analysis for this study. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was employed in this study to analyse the collected data to confirm the reliability & validity of the measurement and to check the relationships between the three variables. The findings of the study reveals that EE positively influence both IC (β = 0.238, p = 0.010) and EI (β = 0.289, p < 0.001), and IC was also found to significantly influence EI (β = 0.188, p = 0.008). However, the mediating role of IC between EE & EI was found to be insignificant and weak (β = 0.045, p = 0.088). The findings of this study highlight the importance of promoting and strengthening entrepreneurship related teachings in HEIs. These findings also provide useful insights for educators, institutional leaders, and policymakers who aim to build a supportive environment for young aspiring entrepreneurs. 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.51505/IJEBMR.2026.10317