Impact of entrepreneurial orientation and self-efficacy on students’ intentions to pursue technopreneurship

Technopreneurship has the potential to address unemployment and economic development challenges in South Africa. However, the level of technopreneurial activity among students considered to be technological natives remains low compared to the average in the developed world. This study investigates the influence of entrepreneurial orientation and self-efficacy on students' intention to pursue technopreneurship. Qualitative research was conducted using a correlational research design. A sample of 133 students was selected, and data were collected through online questionnaires using purposive sampling. SPSS version 24 was employed to analyse the data. The study revealed that entrepreneurial orientation, through its five dimensions—innovativeness, risk-taking, autonomy, competitive aggressiveness, and proactiveness—positively influences students' intention to pursue technopreneurship. It also demonstrated that self-efficacy positively impacts students' intentions. Both entrepreneurial orientation and self-efficacy significantly and positively influence students' intention to pursue technopreneurship. Universities should implement programmes aimed at enhancing entrepreneurial orientation and self-efficacy to promote technopreneurship among students. This study contributes to the body of knowledge in South Africa by determining the effects of entrepreneurial orientation and self-efficacy on students' intention to pursue technopreneurship. Additionally, it provides recommendations for policymakers on how to support students intending to pursue technopreneurship through intervention programmes, such as providing mentorship and funding. This research adds to the understanding of how different population groups are motivated to pursue entrepreneurship, with a specific focus on technopreneurship.