Regional Variations in Entrepreneurial Cognitions: Start-Up Intentions of University Students in Spain

Entrepreneurship & Regional Development, Vol. 23, Nos. 3 & 4, pp. 187-215, April 2011

Posted: 10 May 2011

See all articles by Francisco Liñán

Francisco Liñán

University of Seville - Department Economia Aplicada I

David Urbano

Autonomous University of Barcelona

Maribel Guerrero

University of Deusto - Deusto Business School

Date Written: February 18, 2011

Abstract

Empirical research has recently paid considerable attention to the role of environmental factors in explaining regional variations in entrepreneurial activity. However, cognitive models have not usually included these factors in their analyses. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to identify some of the environmental cognitive elements that may explain regional differences in start-up intentions. Thus, an entrepreneurial intention model is developed, theoretically based on the planned behaviour approach, institutional economic theory and social capital theory. The empirical analysis is carried out using structural equation techniques over a sample of 549 final year university students from two Spanish regions (Catalonia and Andalusia). Results confirm that valuation of entrepreneurship in each region helps explain regional differences in entrepreneurial intentions. As expected, social valuation of the entrepreneur was higher in the more developed region (Catalonia), positively affecting perceived subjective norms and behavioural control. In Andalusia, the influence of perceived valuation of the entrepreneur in the closer environment was more important, affecting attitude towards the behaviour and subjective norms. These results explain some of the differences in the pool of potential entrepreneurs in each region. They also justify the need by public-policy decision-makers to promote more positive entrepreneurial values in relatively backward regions.

Keywords: regional variations, entrepreneurial cognitions, start-up intentions, Spain

JEL Classification: L26, M13

Suggested Citation

Liñán, Francisco and Urbano, David and Guerrero, Maribel, Regional Variations in Entrepreneurial Cognitions: Start-Up Intentions of University Students in Spain (February 18, 2011). Entrepreneurship & Regional Development, Vol. 23, Nos. 3 & 4, pp. 187-215, April 2011 , Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1802079

Francisco Liñán

University of Seville - Department Economia Aplicada I ( email )

Seville, E41018
Spain

David Urbano (Contact Author)

Autonomous University of Barcelona ( email )

Edifici B, Campus UAB
Bellaterra, Barcelona 08193
Spain
34935811209 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://www.davidurbano.eu

Maribel Guerrero

University of Deusto - Deusto Business School ( email )

Camino de Mundaiz, 50
San Sebastian, 20012
Spain

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