The Antecedents of Eco-Entrepreneurial Intentions and Eco-Entrepreneurial Behaviour: THE Moderating Role of Entrepreneurship Education

Abstract

The growing global concern regarding environmental sustainability has heightened the importance of understanding the factors that drive eco-entrepreneurial intentions and subsequent eco-entrepreneurial behaviour. This study aims to explore the antecedents of eco-entrepreneurial intentions and behaviour in the context of the United States, with a particular focus on the moderating influence of entrepreneurship education. It aligns with the United Nations' SDG 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth, as eco-entrepreneurship promotes job creation, innovation, and sustainable economic development while ensuring environmental stewardship. Drawing on the Theory of Planned Behaviour, this research examines the role of three key antecedents—eco-entrepreneurial attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control—in shaping eco-entrepreneurial intentions and how these intentions translate into actual eco-entrepreneurial behaviour. The data for this study were drawn from a diverse sample of aspiring and existing entrepreneurs of various types in the United States. Findings suggest that eco-entrepreneurial attitude and perceived behavioural control are significant predictors of eco-entrepreneurial intentions. Furthermore, entrepreneurship education served as a crucial moderating factor in explaining the relationship between perceived behavioural control and eco-entrepreneurial intentions, amplifying their association and increasing the likelihood of intentions being transformed into actual eco-entrepreneurial behaviour. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and educators, suggesting that integrating eco-consciousness into entrepreneurship curricula can foster a new generation of environmentally responsible entrepreneurs.