Importance of knowledge to entrepreneurial activity: Empirical evidence from southeast asian nations

Abstract

Although various studies have been conducted to examine the role of knowledge in the entrepreneurial process, the results reveal inconsistencies. Moreover, the relationship between knowledge factors and their role in explaining the entrepreneurial in tentions still has no clear answer. Our st udy investigates the effect s of knowledge factors on the likelihood to engage in entrepreneurial activity. Our analyses are based on data collected for the 2015 Global Entrepreneurship Monitors (GEM) from individuals locates in Southeast Asi an Nations including Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam with a sample of 1964, 2902 and 1889 participants, respectively. Our findings show that knowledge, skills a nd experience and knowing an entrepreneur have a significant impact on the entrepreneurial intentions. The contribution of this study is twofold. First, it provides empirical evidence on the relationship between knowledge factors and start-up activity. Second, it contributes to the understanding of entrepreneurship environment in Southeast Asian Nations, a critical part of the world.