Entrepreneurial intentions among medical doctors in a research-led hospital: The role of perceived organizational support for innovation and individual collaboration propensity

Purpose Drawing on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), this study investigates the relationship between medical doctors' (MDs) entrepreneurial attitude (EA) and their entrepreneurial intentions (EI). By integrating considerations from Corporate Entrepreneurship (CE) and the Social Capital (SC) theory, this paper aims to understand whether and how MDs' perceived organizational support for innovation (POSI) and individual collaboration propensity (CP) influence the relationship in a non-traditional and highly institutionalized setting, such as a research-led hospital. Design/methodology/approach Empirical data were collected from a sample of MDs participating in the science and technology park initiative within the research hospital “Agostino Gemelli” in Rome (Italy). The initiative was officially known as the G-STeP project. Quantitative analyses were conducted to test the direct and indirect effects of EA, POSI and CP on EI. Findings Results explain that MDs' EA positively influences their EI. This relationship is mediated by the POSI and, importantly, moderated – magnified – by individual CP. Notably, the effect of POSI becomes more pronounced for MDs with high CP. Conversely, for those with low CP, the impact of POSI on EI is negative, highlighting the importance of the interplay between individual and organizational factors to enable EI among MDs. Practical implications Research-led hospitals aiming to foster entrepreneurship among medical professionals, MDs in this paper, should not only cultivate an organizational culture that supports innovation initiatives, but also invest in enhancing individuals' collaborative orientation. Tailored strategies may be needed to stimulate EI among MDs with lower CP. Originality/value This study extends entrepreneurial research to the healthcare domain, offering an original view of how individual and organizational factors may interact. It contributes to the understanding of entrepreneurial behavior among professionals in non-traditional settings and it suggests that fostering collaboration is crucial for promoting entrepreneurship among MDs in research-led hospitals.