Entrepreneurial intentions : effects of individuals’ perception of entrepreneurial ecosystem elements in South Savo

Abstract

Due to policy and ecosystem mismatch, governments and policymakers continue to face difficulty in designing policies and ecosystems that support entrepreneurship. Since intention is a predictor of behaviour, this thesis posits that ecosystem development policies should begin with a diagnosis of how existing ecosystem elements influence individuals' entrepreneurial intentions in a given region. Using structural equation modelling, this study examined the relationship between individuals' perceptions of their entrepreneurial ecosystem and their intention to start a business. Data was gathered from 189 residents of a Finnish region.

According to the findings, individuals' attitudes and subjective norms towards entrepreneurship are the most influential factors affecting their entrepreneurial intentions. Furthermore, their perception of the ecosystem has an indirect impact on the formation of those intentions. Individuals' intentions are influenced by their perceptions of talent, knowledge, and network and their effect on the three antecedents of intention. The antecedent-intention relationship was shown to be moderated by perceptions of leadership and finance. The work concludes by discussing how these findings can influence and steer effective regional policies targeted at fostering vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystems.