Towards Sustainable Digital Entrepreneurship: The Mediating Role of Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy and the Moderating Influence of Social Support

Abstract

This study advances the literature on digital entrepreneurship by examining how Information Technology Culture (ITC) and Technology Orientation (TO) influence entrepreneurial intentions through the mediating role of Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy (ESE) and the moderating role of Social Support (SS) within the context of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. By integrating psychological, cultural, and technological constructs, the research offers a comprehensive framework for understanding the internal drivers of digital venture creation in youth. Data were collected via an online survey targeting Saudi youth and analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Validated scales measured ITC, TO, ESE, SS, and Digital Entrepreneurship Intention (DEI), with a sample of 372 participants predominantly under age 30. Findings reveal that while ITC and TO do not directly predict DEI, both exert significant indirect effects through ESE, underscoring the central role of psychological self-belief in entrepreneurial motivation. The moderating effect of SS on the ESE–DEI relationship was non-significant, suggesting that internal efficacy may outweigh external validation in this context. The sample’s demographic skew90.9% male and 99.5% under 30limits generalizability, though it aligns with the most digitally active segment of the population. The cross-sectional design restricts causal inference, and future research should explore longitudinal and gender-balanced samples to validate and extend these findings. This study provides actionable insights for policymakers and educators aiming to foster digital entrepreneurship by enhancing ESE through targeted training, cultural alignment, and strategic technology exposure, especially among youth populations driving Saudi Arabia’s innovation agenda.