Integrating digital entrepreneurial competence with the theory of planned behavior: Predicting business graduates’ digital entrepreneurial intention

This research study examines digital entrepreneurial intention among business graduates in relation to the development of technological startup ventures, using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Using quantitative research and convenience sampling, 344 self-reported survey responses were collected from business graduates via an online questionnaire. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was employed to analyze the survey data and structural path coefficients. The research findings indicate that digital entrepreneurial competence positively enhanced attitudes toward digital entrepreneurship, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control and entrepreneurial intentions toward digital entrepreneurship. However, attitudes toward digital entrepreneurship and subjective norms did not have statistically significant direct effects on digital entrepreneurial intention. These research findings inform policy decisions regarding digital participation and entrepreneurial intention among business graduates to launch digital startups and to bridge the digital divide, thereby enhancing digital literacy.