Journal of Economic Education and Entrepreneurship Studies
Vol. 7 No. 4 (2026)

Digital Literacy and Entrepreneurial Mindset as Predictors of Startup Intentions: The Mediating Role of Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy among University Students

Firman Firman (Universitas Negeri Padang, Indonesia)
Erni Masdupi (Universitas Negeri Padang, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
10 Aug 2026

Abstract

This study examined the simultaneous effects of digital literacy and entrepreneurial mindset on startup intentions and tested entrepreneurial self-efficacy as a mediating mechanism among university students. An explanatory quantitative design and cross-sectional survey were used with 221 students at Universitas Negeri Padang. The data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling in SmartPLS, including measurement-model assessment, structural-model evaluation, and bootstrapping with 5,000 subsamples. Digital literacy and entrepreneurial mindset positively affected entrepreneurial self-efficacy (beta = 0.283 and beta = 0.516, respectively; p < 0.001), while entrepreneurial self-efficacy strongly predicted startup intentions (beta = 0.564; p < 0.001). The direct effects of digital literacy and entrepreneurial mindset on startup intentions were not significant. Their indirect effects through entrepreneurial self-efficacy were significant (beta = 0.159 and beta = 0.291; p < 0.001), indicating full mediation. Digital literacy and entrepreneurial mindset strengthen startup intentions primarily when they increase students' entrepreneurial self-efficacy. Universities should therefore combine digital skill development and opportunity recognition with practice-based activities that build confidence in executing startup tasks.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

JE3S

Publisher

Subject

Economics, Econometrics & Finance Other

Description

1. Economics Education Curriculum development and learning outcomes in economics education Pedagogy and instructional innovation in economics learning Assessment, evaluation, and measurement of economics learning Development of learning materials and instructional resources for economics Development ...