Potential Designer Entrepreneurs’ Creative Self-Efficacy and Start-up Intention : The Moderating Role of Social Networks

This study aims to examine the effect of creative self-efficacy on the start-up intention of potential designer entrepreneurs, with a particular focus on the moderating role of social networks. Questionnaires were employed to collect data from design students aspiring to launch their own start-ups were analyzed using hierarchical regression. Results show that creative self-efficacy had a positive effect on start-up intention. Furthermore, social networks had a significant moderating effect on the relationship between creative self-efficacy and start-up intention. These findings contribute to the entrepreneurship literature by demonstrating how psychological factors, combined with social capital, shape entrepreneurial intentions among creative professionals. The study also provides practical implications for entrepreneurship education and support programs, suggesting that fostering both individual creative confidence and strong social ties can enhance entrepreneurial engagement and venture creation among design students.