Authors:

• Emil Knezović, International University of Sarajevo
• Azra Bičo, International University of Sarajevo
• Blaž Zupan, University of Ljubljana, School of Economics and Business
• Janez Gorenc, University of Ljubljana, School of Economics and Business, PhD Student
• Daniel Pavlov, University of Ruse “Angel Kanchev”
• Svilena Ruskova, University of Ruse “Angel Kanchev”
• Dariusz Tłoczyński, University of Gdansk
• Joanna Czerepko, University of Gdansk
• Valentin Toader, Babeş-Bolyai University
• Monica Maria Coroş, Babeş-Bolyai University
• Alexandros Kakouris, University of Peloponnese and Hellenic Open University
• Sotiris Apostolopoulos,Neapolis University Pafos

Keywords:

Green entrepreneurial intentions | Institutional and personal factors | Desire to discover | Students | Multi-country sample

Purpose

This study examines green entrepreneurial intentions among higher education institution students in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Greece, Poland, Romania, and Slovenia. It assesses the interplay of several personal (e.g., entrepreneurial creativity, future self-continuity, and green cognition) and institutional factors (e.g., entrepreneurial education, entrepreneurial culture, and financial support), considering the mediating role of the desire to discover.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a cross-sectional survey of 1547 students from six European countries, the study tests its hypotheses using structural equation modeling. Although countries were selected through convenience sampling via academic networks, they reflect a shared regional background and predominantly post-socialist characteristics, while also differing in their institutional and educational support for green entrepreneurship.

Findings

Results indicate that, with some exceptions, institutional and personal factors are positively related to green entrepreneurial intentions, while the desire to discover partially mediates these relationships.

Originality/value

This study presents an integrative theoretical framework grounded in social cognitive theory, constructivist learning theory, and self-regulated learning theory, highlighting the joint relationship between personal and institutional factors and green entrepreneurial intentions. It contributes novel insights by offering a multi-country dataset and identifying the desire to discover as a key psychological mechanism.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) addressed in the article are:

• SGD 4 – Quality education
• SDG 8 – Decent work and economic growth
• SDG 13 – Climate action

The article is published in:
The international journal of management education (ScienceDirect)

The content is available at the link upon registration:

Unpacking the determinants of students' green entrepreneurial intentions: the interplay of personal, institutional, and mediating factors in a six-country study