Digital entrepreneurship in higher education: A structural model based on individual, institutional, and environmental factors

Abstract

The rise of the digital economy has reshaped the entrepreneurial landscape, offering new opportunities for university students to engage in innovative ventures. However, despite increased digital exposure, the rate of active digital entrepreneurial engagement among students remains suboptimal, particularly in developing contexts. This study aims to identify and model the key determinants of digital entrepreneurship among university students in Iran. Drawing upon extant literature and expert input, a multi-dimensional conceptual framework was developed, comprising individual factors (e.g., achievement orientation, creativity, risk-taking), institutional factors (e.g., curriculum, faculty, leadership), and environmental factors (e.g., government support, ICT infrastructure). A three-stage mixed-method approach was employed. Initially, 26 indicators were identified through literature review and expert consultation. Subsequently, these were refined to 14 key indicators via a pilot survey of 120 students. Finally, a structural equation model was tested using Smart-PLS on data collected from 387 students at the University of Guilan. The validated model confirms the multidimensional nature of digital entrepreneurship, revealing that institutional and environmental factors significantly amplify individual entrepreneurial traits. Unlike prior studies with narrower scopes, this research offers a holistic strategy framework. The findings provide actionable insights for policymakers and educational leaders to foster digital entrepreneurship through coordinated interventions at personal, university, and policy levels.