Mapping the Path to Sustainable Entrepreneurship: A Survey of Intentions among Public Sector University Students in Pakistan

Abstract

The business environment in today’s world is going through a rapid change due to sustainability practices. Sustainable entrepreneurship plays a significant role in helping businesses achieve economic, social, and environmental goals. This study investigates the factors of sustainable entrepreneurial intentions among Pakistani public sector university students. The study has used a deductive approach by using questionnaire data of 394 students studying at two public universities—Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro and University of Sindh, Jamshoro—was gathered using convenience sampling. Data analysis carried out through Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling technique revealed that the environmental Values and entrepreneurship education positively influenced student’s sustainable entrepreneurial intention through TPB model factors as mediators. The study brings new insight by extending the TPB model with the addition of two variables. The study’s findings would support policymakers to devise policies for establishing platform for the young graduates to encourage them towards sustainable entrepreneurship. Moreover, universities are recommended to introduce sustainable entrepreneurship courses and establish incubation centers for the students to help them achieve economic as well as environmental goals. Future studies may be carried out using larger samples and using qualitative approach.