Fostering sustainable business values: The impact of universities on shaping sustainable entrepreneurial intentions in higher education students from developing economies

<ns3:p>Entrepreneurship worldwide faces persistent challenges such as unequal access to resources, institutional disparities, and inconsistent policy frameworks. Higher education institutions (HEIs) face the critical challenge of fostering sustainable entrepreneurial intentions among students, particularly in developing economies where institutional and resource constraints limit entrepreneurship’s potential to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study investigates the influence of universities, sustainable business values, and key antecedents of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) on sustainable entrepreneurial intentions among students in Indian higher education institutions. Employing a cross-sectional design, data were gathered through a structured questionnaire administered to students enrolled in entrepreneurship education programs. The analysis was conducted using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to explore path relationships and test the hypothesized model. This study provides a theoretical contribution to the field of sustainable entrepreneurship education and sustainable entrepreneurial intention by offering valuable insights into the impact of behavioral factors on EI development among students in higher education institutions. These insights emphasize the need for integrating comprehensive, sustainability-focused content into entrepreneurship curricula to equip future entrepreneurs with the knowledge and skills essential for addressing environmental, social, and economic challenges. The practical implications of this research are twofold. First, it provides universities and policymakers with actionable insights to design and implement more effective and sustainability-centered entrepreneurship programs. Second, by fostering sustainable entrepreneurial mindsets, the study contributes to the promotion of responsible business practices and the stimulation of new venture creation, thereby supporting broader economic development goals in emerging economies.</ns3:p>