Entrepreneurship education: Which educational elements influence entrepreneurial intention?

Entrepreneurship is considered a critical factor in stimulating economic growth and creating employment. Entrepreneurship education is viewed as one of the key instruments for increasing entrepreneurial intention and activities. However, it remains unclear which elements of entrepreneurship education are most influential in shaping a participant's intention to start a venture. This study aims to fill this gap by examining the impact of entrepreneurship education and the mediating role of alertness, inspiration, social networks and the acquisition of knowledge and skills (the rational "learning" component of entrepreneurship education) in a participant's intention to start a venture. Drawing on entrepreneurship education theory, the author proposes that entrepreneurship education increases entrepreneurial intention if it induces a perceived increase in alertness, inspiration, social networks or knowledge and skills among participants. The empirical results of the multiple hierarchical regression analysis provide support for a full mediation effect of inspiration, social networks and knowledge and skills on the relationship between entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurial intention. These findings contribute to research in entrepreneurship education, enhance understanding of the main success factors in entrepreneurship education and offer useful insights for practitioners when developing effective entrepreneurship programs.