Bridging the intention–success gap in digital entrepreneurship: Implications for SDGs and digital transformation with a longitudinal mixed-methods study

In the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, achieving the United Nations’ (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fostering digital transformation are pressing challenges. However, digital entrepreneurial intention (DEI) does not always translate into digital entrepreneurial success (DES). This study addresses these issues by examining the factors that influence DEI and DES. Using SOBC theory and the Entrepreneurial Event Model (EEM), the research uses a longitudinal mixed-methods design. Study I applies structural equation modeling for quantitative analysis, while Study II explores these results qualitatively. The findings show that DEI has a greater impact on DES than digital platform capability (DPC), although both contribute to advancing digital transformation. Among the factors, graduates’ perceived desirability (PD) is the top predictor of DEI, ahead of digital innovative attitudes (DIA) and perceived feasibility (PF). Also, Industry 4.0’s perceived ease of use (PEU) affects DIA more than perceived usefulness (PU). Crucially, DES is seen as key for SDG 1, SDG 3, SDG 8, SDG 9, and SDG 10. This study stands out for its longitudinal design, which integrates DEI and DES within a single framework in an emerging economy. It is also unique for measuring the impact of DES and DPC on digital transformation. The results offer practical guidance for stakeholders to help graduates translate their intentions into successful ventures, thereby advancing digital transformation and the UN 2030 Agenda.