From Generative Artificial Intelligence Competence to Entrepreneurial Intention: The Sequential Mediation of Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy and Opportunity Recognition

Based on Social Cognitive Theory, this study examines the relationship between generative artificial intelligence competence and entrepreneurial intention, with entrepreneurial self-efficacy and opportunity recognition as mediators. Despite growing interest in generative AI and entrepreneurship, limited evidence exists regarding how generative AI competence is associated with entrepreneurial intention through these cognitive mechanisms, particularly through their sequential interplay. Using a cross-sectional quantitative design, data were collected from 1135 business students at a private university in Lima, Peru, and analyzed using PLS-SEM. The results indicate positive relationships among generative artificial intelligence competence, entrepreneurial self-efficacy, opportunity recognition, and entrepreneurial intention. Furthermore, the proposed indirect effects were statistically significant, with opportunity recognition representing the strongest indirect pathway. A statistically significant but comparatively small sequential indirect association through entrepreneurial self-efficacy and opportunity recognition was also observed. Overall, the results broaden the application of Social Cognitive Theory by positioning generative AI competence as a technology-specific capability associated with entrepreneurial cognition and intention. From a practical perspective, the findings suggest that university entrepreneurship education could integrate generative AI training with activities focused on identifying and evaluating business opportunities.