Entrepreneurship education and students' internet entrepreneurship intentions

Abstract

Purpose The aim of this paper is to examine factors that motivate Chinese students' attitudes and perceptions relating to their internet entrepreneurship intentions (IEIs). Design/methodology/approach This paper is based on the results of a survey of students studying at three universities in China. It explores gender, household incomes, study disciplines, online activities as well as other factors that might influence their internet entrepreneurship intentions. Findings It emerges that demographic factors such as gender, household incomes and student status are positively related to their IEIs. The disciplines that a student studies, information and communication technology (ICT) courses and online shopping experiences significantly impact on their IEIs. Practical implications The results of this research study provide empirically rigorous evidence for understanding the reasons why some students in Chinese HEIs are more likely than others to become internet entrepreneurs. Originality/value Although the survey focuses on respondents studying in Chinese HEIs, the results of this research study could prove useful for entrepreneurship educators in industrially developed and developing countries.