The Role of Social Capital in University Students’ Entrepreneurial Activities

Purpose: This study aims to examine the impact of social capital cultivated through entrepreneurial education on university students' entrepreneurial activities. It explores how social capital influences perceived feasibility and desirability of entrepreneurship and their effects on entrepreneurial intention. By focusing on nascent entrepreneurs and general university students, this study seeks to provide new insights into the role of social capital in entrepreneurship. Research design, data and methodology: This study conducts an empirical analysis involving university students who have participated in entrepreneurial education programs. A partial least square modeling approach is used to examine the relationships between social capital, perceived feasibility, perceived desirability, and entrepreneurial intention. Survey data collected from students are analyzed to test the proposed hypotheses. Results: The results indicate that social capital positively influences both perceived feasibility and desirability of entrepreneurship. These factors, in turn, significantly enhance entrepreneurial intention among university students. The findings highlight the crucial role of social capital in shaping entrepreneurial mindsets and motivation. Conclusions: This study underscores the importance of social capital in fostering entrepreneurial intention among university students. By enhancing perceived feasibility and desirability, social capital plays a vital role in shaping entrepreneurial motivation. These findings offer theoretical and practical implications for improving entrepreneurial education and support programs.