Influence of educational programs oriented toward entrepreneurship on the entrepreneurial intention of university students: the case of Chile

Purpose This study measures the influence of educational programs oriented toward entrepreneurship (POE) on the prediction of the entrepreneurial intention (EI) of university students, based on the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). Design/methodology/focus The sample contains a total of 4,697 answers from university students, obtained through the 2018 Global University Entrepreneurial Spirit Students' Survey (GUESSS) project. A model of structural equations was used. Findings The results show that educational POE have an impact on EI, mediated by the perceived university environment (UE) and entrepreneurial skills (ES). In addition, it was confirmed that the variable that best explains EI is the attitude toward entrepreneurship (ATE), followed by perceived behavioral control (PBC); these two variables are able to mediate the effect of subjective norm (SN) on EI. Research limitations/implications The study is limited to students in higher education. Additionally, the data used come from only one country. Practical implications Educational POE that are focused on providing and improving ES and knowledge must be promoted, given that they indirectly strengthen the EI of students in higher education. Originality/value The effect of educational POE, mediated by ES and the UE, on EI is measured.