Entrepreneurial intention in the blockchain era: navigating risk and unlocking opportunity

Purpose This study aims to investigate how perceptions of emerging digital technologies shape entrepreneurial intention (EI), focusing on blockchain technology (BCT) as a case. Specifically, it examines how perceived usefulness, perceived platform risk and entrepreneurial opportunity recognition (EOR) influence the decision to pursue entrepreneurial activity in evolving digital ecosystems. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative survey of 155 participants in Greece, including entrepreneurs, professionals, and students, was analysed using partial least squares structural equation modeling. The proposed model tested the direct, mediating, and moderating effects of perceived usefulness of blockchain (PUBT), perceived platform risk (PPR) and EOR on EI. Findings Results indicate that both PUBT and EOR significantly and positively influence EI, with EOR acting as a partial mediator. Conversely, PPR weakens the relationship between PUBT and EI, underscoring how perceptions of risk temper the otherwise positive role of blockchain. The model explains 53% of the variance in EI and demonstrates strong reliability and fit. Practical implications Findings inform entrepreneurs, educators and policymakers seeking to foster blockchain-enabled ventures. Strategies such as literacy programs, risk-mitigation mechanisms and supportive regulatory frameworks can enhance entrepreneurial capacity in digital ecosystems. Originality/value By integrating the Technology Acceptance Model with the Entrepreneurial Event Model, this study advances entrepreneurship research beyond traditional technology adoption frameworks. It highlights how entrepreneurs cognitively translate technological affordances into opportunity recognition, while also managing risk perceptions that constrain intention.