Building Students’ Entrepreneurial Competencies in Chinese Universities: Diverse Learning Environment, Knowledge Transfer, and Entrepreneurship Education

Abstract

Entrepreneurship education is a critical issue for higher education (HE) students, and thus has been on the agenda of national sustainable development in China. However, few studies have approached the enhancement of HE students’ entrepreneurial competencies in relation to the perspective of their learning environment. This study developed and employed the Theoretical Model of Entrepreneurial Competencies to examine the path of improving HE students’ entrepreneurial competencies. The results reveal that a diverse learning environment is an important external factor in developing HE students’ entrepreneurial competencies. Knowledge transfer, self-efficacy, and cognitive flexibility mediate this relationship. Moreover, entrepreneurship education significantly moderates the effects of self-efficacy on HE students’ entrepreneurial competencies, but it does not play a moderating role between cognitive flexibility and entrepreneurial competencies. This study provides insights for both policy and managerial endeavors in sustainably advancing HE students’ entrepreneurship through an innovative learning environment.

Entrepreneurial competencies of university students

“…Costin, O'Brien & Hynes (2022) analysed the effects of entrepreneurship education on aptitude, entrepreneurial confidence, self-efficacy, students' belief in their motivation and ability to start an entrepreneurial venture. In the study by Chen, Tang & Han (2022) it was confirmed the entrepreneurship education significantly moderated the effects of self-efficacy on higher education students' entrepreneurial competencies. Cognitive flexibility, self-efficacy, and knowledge transfer mediate this relationship.…”

Entrepreneurship Education: Encouraging Entrepreneurial Intentions for Equality Education Students in Semarang

“…Differences in the physical learning environment, technology and infrastructure, social interaction in diverse learning environments can spur students' cognitive growth and strengthen their intellectual performance while developing critical thinking that contributes to the successful transfer of knowledge (Chen et al, 2022). The development of instrumental skills leads to an increase in competence arising from one's abilities (Mets et al, 2022).…”

The Influence of Entrepreneurial Bricolage on Opportunity Recognition for New Ventures Based on Artificial Intelligence

“…Flexibility and adaptation, which are inherent in business bricolage, are critical in learning and knowledge acquisition. Bricolage entrepreneurs must be open to new ideas, willing to learn from mistakes and fast to modify their methods (Chen, Tang, & Han, 2022). This adaptability encourages an attitude of constant learning, allowing entrepreneurs to gain knowledge from a variety of sources.…”