EXPLORING THE DRIVERS OF ENTREPRENEURIAL INTENTIONS TO ADOPT ISLAMIC FINANCE IN UZBEKISTAN

In recent years, several Islamic windows and Islamic leasing companies have been established in Uzbekistan, offering Islamic financial products to entrepreneurs. However, their scope remains relatively limited. Accordingly, this article aims to explore the crucial factors influencing entrepreneurs' intentions to utilize Islamic finance. To this end, data collected through an online survey conducted between February and April 2024 were analyzed using the PLS-SEM model. The analysis revealed that factors such as the business development opportunities of Islamic finance, behavioral control, awareness and level of knowledge, and religious obligation positively impact entrepreneurs' intentions to engage with Islamic finance.