The Influence of Entrepreneurship Education on Entrepreneurial Intentions

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to analyze, from a theory of planned behavior perspective, the role of entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurial intention. A conceptual model is developed based on the literature discussing the importance of entrepreneurship education in global economic and social development. A number of hypothesis are developed based on demographic factors, risk taking propensity, proactiveness and self-efficacy to understand their relationship with entrepreneurial intention. The hypothesis are tested in a survey of Brazilian university students with the results suggesting that age, occupation of father and risk taking propensity do influence the intention of an individual to engage in entrepreneurial behavior. These results are then discussed in terms of practical and theoretical implications for entrepreneurship education. Future research suggestions are also stated highlighting the importance of fostering an entrepreneurial spirit in university students.