The impact that exposure to digital fabrication technology has on student entrepreneurial intentions
Journal
International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research
ISSN
1355-2554
Date Issued
2019
Author(s)
Type
Resource Types::text::journal::journal article
Abstract
<jats:sec><jats:title content-type="abstract-subheading">Purpose</jats:title><jats:p>The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role exposure to digital fabrication technology plays in the development of students’ entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE) and intentions.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title content-type="abstract-subheading">Design/methodology/approach</jats:title><jats:p>Data were collected from 131 students enrolled in a business administration undergraduate program at a large Midwestern university in the USA. Data were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title content-type="abstract-subheading">Findings</jats:title><jats:p>Results provide evidence on how exposure to and hands-on experience with digital manufacturing technology in universities can have a positive impact on students’ ESE and intentions to become entrepreneurs.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title content-type="abstract-subheading">Practical implications</jats:title><jats:p>Results support initiatives by business schools and entrepreneurship programs to invest in digital manufacturing technology as they help increase students’ confidence in their technological and entrepreneurial abilities.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title content-type="abstract-subheading">Originality/value</jats:title><jats:p>This is the first study that directly looks at the role that exposure to digital technology in a business and entrepreneurship education program has on students’ ESE and intentions.</jats:p></jats:sec>
Subjects
technology
;
entrepreneurial intention
;
entrepreneurship
;
entrepreneurial education