Changes Regarding Entrepreneurial Intent Among Young Romanian Students in the Aftermath of the COVID-19 Pandemic

This study leverages the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to investigate the variations in entrepreneurial intent (EI) among Romanian students, before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. By examining the interactions between attitudes, social norms (SocNorms), and perceived behavioral control (PBC), as represented in the TPB framework, we aimed to uncover what factors promote or hinder students’ decisions to pursue entrepreneurship. We examined these relationships across two cohorts (2018 and 2023) using structural equation modeling (SEM) on data collected through an online survey from a total sample of 383 Romanian bachelor students. Our findings indicate that PBC is a significant predictor of EI for both cohorts; however, attitudes have shown a direct but reverse influence for the 2023 group. This cohort, faced with isolation, unemployment, and resource shortages, has adapted by cultivating an innovation and perseverance mindset, positioning entrepreneurship as a viable solution. This study is one of the few longitudinal comparative investigations of EI in Romania during a significant societal crisis, offering insights into the evolving dynamics of young entrepreneurs, which can inform educational strategies and policies designed to nurture a new generation of resilient entrepreneurs.