A conceptual model of accelerator as moderator in entrepreneurial intention: addressing inconsistencies in TPB and formal entrepreneurial education research

Abstract Empirical studies have demonstrated a positive relationship between attitude towards entrepreneurship subjective norms, perceived behaviour control, formal entrepreneurial education, and entrepreneurial intention. However, inconsistencies exist in the literature regarding the strength and nature of this relationship. While much of the focus has been on enhancing formal entrepreneurial education from the literature studies, it is suggested that other learning approaches, such as professional-oriented activities and soft skill-oriented activities in accelerators, can effectively stimulate students’ interest in entrepreneurship. This conceptual paper aims to address this gap by exploring the role of accelerators in fostering entrepreneurial intention. The paper proposes a hypothesized model that tests the relationship between the antecedents of the theory of planned behaviour (attitude towards entrepreneurship, subjective norms, perceived behaviour control), formal entrepreneurial education, and entrepreneurial intention. Drawing on the theory of planned behaviour, human capital theory, and institutional theory, this paper highlights the potential moderating role of accelerator experiences in strengthening these cognitive antecedents and formal entrepreneurial education, particularly considering the conflicting findings in the existing literature.