Entrepreneurial competency and intention among students: the moderating role of entrepreneurship education

PurposeThis study examines the correlation between entrepreneurial competency (EC) and entrepreneurial intention (EI) among higher education students in Kashmir, emphasising the moderating role of entrepreneurship education (EE).Design/methodology/approachThe research utilised a quantitative methodology using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to analyse data. Data were gathered from 500 business management students who had either completed or were enrolled in EE courses at seven Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Kashmir.FindingsThe findings demonstrate a substantial positive correlation between EC and EI, suggesting that students with higher EC are more inclined to display EI. Furthermore, the moderating effect of EE was identified as reinforcing this link, indicating that engagement with EE augments students' abilities, thereby elevating their EI.Research limitations/implicationsThe study focused on business management students from seven HEIs in Kashmir, limiting the generalisability of the results to other fields or regions. The cross-sectional design restricts understanding of changes over time; a longitudinal approach would more effectively capture the dynamics of entrepreneurial behaviour.Originality/valueThis study adds to the scarce literature on EI in Kashmir by exploring the impact of EC on EI and emphasising the moderating role of EE in this relationship.