Cognitive readiness for tech-venturing: Role of STEM education in nurturing technopreneurs

This study investigates how STEM education shapes the cognitive foundations required to develop technopreneurs. It focuses on the roles of entrepreneurial mindset and motivation, while also examining the influence of gender and organizational support on technopreneurial intentions. Data were collected from 434 students across higher education institutions (HEIs) in Northern India. The proposed model was tested using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM), complemented by Multi-Group Analysis (MGA) to assess gender-based differences. Results demonstrate that STEM education significantly boosts entrepreneurial mindset, entrepreneurial motivation, and technopreneurial intentions. Entrepreneurial mindset and motivation operate as serial mediators, revealing a clear cognitive pathway through which STEM education translates into technopreneurial aspirations. Organizational support further strengthens the relationships between cognitive factors and technopreneurial intentions. MGA findings indicate notable gender differences in the pathways linking STEM education and entrepreneurial motivation to technopreneurial intentions.