Transitioning from entrepreneurial education to entrepreneurial behavior: The role of opportunity recognition, entrepreneurial social networks, and risk-taking propensity

This study aimed to explore the impact of entrepreneurial education on entrepreneurial intention, with a focus on the mediating roles of opportunity recognition and entrepreneurial social networks among university students in China. Additionally, the study examines the relationship between entrepreneurial intention and behavior, considering the moderating effect of risk-taking propensity. A quantitative research method was employed, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered in two rounds. A sample of 469 undergraduate and postgraduate students from Guangzhou University was selected using a non-probability convenience sampling method. The data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) with Smart-PLS software version 4. The results indicate that entrepreneurial education is a positive and significant determinant of entrepreneurial intention. Furthermore, the findings reveal that entrepreneurial education mediates the relationship between opportunity recognition, entrepreneurial social networks, and entrepreneurial intention. The study also shows that risk-taking propensity positively moderates the relationship between entrepreneurial intention and behavior. Finally, the study concludes with theoretical and practical implications for universities, researchers, and policymakers in China. •Entrepreneurship education is a significant predictor of entrepreneurial behavior.•The impact of entrepreneurial education on entrepreneurial intention is positively mediated by opportunity recognition and entrepreneurial social networks.•The relationship between entrepreneurial intention and actual behavior is significantly moderated by risk-taking propensity.•This study provides new perspective for future research in the area of entrepreneurship.