What is the role of innovativeness in the relationship between education and students' entrepreneurial intentions

Entrepreneurship is widely recognised as a critical innovation and economic development driver, particularly in emerging economies like Vietnam. However, many young businesses fail due to inadequate human capital. This study investigates the role of entrepreneurship education and technological innovativeness in shaping students' entrepreneurial intentions, with entrepreneurial motivation as a mediator. Data were collected from 452 students at universities in Vietnam and analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) via SmartPLS 4. The findings confirmed all hypotheses, demonstrating that entrepreneurial motivation mediates the relationship between entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurial intention and that technological innovativeness moderates the link both between education and motivation and between motivation and intention. These insights underscore the importance of enhancing entrepreneurship education and fostering technological innovativeness to prepare students for entrepreneurial success. Universities should prioritise students with practical skills and innovative thinking to foster stronger entrepreneurial motivations and intentions.