Innovation Attitudes, Knowledge, and Passion: Drivers of Digital Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies

Abstract

This study investigates the determinants shaping the development of digital entrepreneurial intention among university students in Egypt, with a particular emphasis on the role of innovation-oriented attitudes, entrepreneurial knowledge, and entrepreneurial passion. Grounded in the theoretical lens of diffusion of innovation, the research constructs an integrated analytical framework to examine how individual cognitive and affective factors collectively influence students’ inclination toward establishing digital ventures. By addressing a notable gap in the literature, the study provides a comprehensive understanding of the antecedents that stimulate digital entrepreneurship aspirations in an emerging economy context. A quantitative research design was adopted to ensure systematic empirical evaluation. Primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to students enrolled in Egyptian universities, with a specific focus on business-related disciplines. Out of 480 distributed questionnaires, 452 valid responses were obtained, reflecting a high response rate and ensuring robust statistical reliability. The collected data were analyzed using structural equation modeling to assess both direct and indirect relationships among the proposed variables and to evaluate the predictive strength of the conceptual model. The empirical findings indicate that attitudes toward technological innovation, entrepreneurial knowledge, and entrepreneurial passion exert significant and relatively balanced effects on the formation of digital entrepreneurial intentions. Furthermore, the analysis confirms that these variables interact in a complementary manner, enhancing the overall explanatory power of the model. The results highlight the critical importance of knowledge acquisition and emotional engagement in fostering entrepreneurial mindsets among students. This study contributes to the expanding body of research on digital entrepreneurship by offering empirical evidence on key psychological and cognitive drivers. It also provides practical insights for educators and policymakers to design targeted interventions that encourage digital venture creation and strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems among youth.