Factors shaping green entrepreneurial intentions towards green innovation: an integrated model

Abstract

Abstract The primary objectives of this study are to investigate the key determinants of green entrepreneurial intentions (GEI) and to examine how these intentions influence green innovation (GI). The study also aims to develop a comprehensive model that integrates various factors impacting GEI and their relationship with GI, specifically within the Saudi Arabian context. The study employs a quantitative research design, collecting data through an online questionnaire from 389 respondents in Saudi Arabia. Structural equation modelling via SmartPLS software was used to analyse the relationships between the variables and test the proposed hypotheses. The findings demonstrate that attitudes towards green entrepreneurship, green entrepreneurial orientation (GEO), entrepreneurial education (EE) and environmental awareness (EA) substantially affect GEI. Consequently, GEI significantly enhance GI. Nonetheless, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control were not important predictors of GEI. These findings possess significant consequences for research and practice. The integrated model provides academics with a comprehensive framework for examining green entrepreneurship, emphasizing the interaction of key components. Practitioners and politicians can utilize these findings to design targeted educational initiatives and regulations that cultivate a conducive climate for green entrepreneurship. Integrating EA, EE, the entrepreneurial orientation model and planned behaviour theory, the study presents a comprehensive model of green entrepreneurship. The study examines Saudi Arabia-specific information and proposes broadening the scope of the study to include other Gulf nations. This method improves our theoretical knowledge and our practical approaches to GI.

Keywords

• TPB
• EO model
• Entrepreneurial education
• Environmental awareness
• Green entrepreneurial intentions
• Green innovation