Determinants of youth sustainable entrepreneurial intent for agricultural start-ups: an integrated approach

Abstract

This study investigates the factors influencing sustainable entrepreneurial intentions among Indonesian youth for agricultural start-ups, addressing the critical question of what drives young individuals to pursue sustainable entrepreneurship in this sector. In the context of Indonesia’s developing economy, where entrepreneurial growth lags other Asian nations, this research explores how attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control shape sustainable entrepreneurial intentions, integrating the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Shapero’s Entrepreneurial Event (SEE) model. The study employs a Structural Equation Model (SEM) using Smart PLS 3.2.9 to analyze data from 738 young respondents aged 19-35 in Indonesia’s agricultural sector. Results reveal that attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control significantly influence perceived desirability and feasibility in Shapero’s model, which in turn positively affect sustainable entrepreneurial intentions. The article is structured to review theoretical frameworks, test hypotheses through quantitative methods, and discuss findings in relation to existing literature. Key findings highlight the pivotal role of personal attitudes, social influences, and perceived control in fostering sustainable entrepreneurial aspirations, with perceived desirability and feasibility acting as critical mediators. These insights offer practical implications for policymakers and educators to enhance youth entrepreneurship through targeted training and value activation strategies, ultimately supporting Indonesia’s economic development by fostering sustainable agricultural start-ups.