A Mediating Effect of Economic Stability and Market Opportunities on the Relationship between Entrepreneurial Resources and Entrepreneurial Intention

Abstract

Entrepreneurship plays a crucial role in economic development, particularly in emerging economies like China. Understanding the determinants of entrepreneurial intention is essential for fostering entrepreneurship and driving economic growth. This study investigates the mediating role of economic stability and market opportunities in the relationship between entrepreneurial resources and entrepreneurial intention, focusing on the contrasting environments of Sichuan and Shanghai in China. Drawing on resource-based view theory and opportunity recognition theory, this research proposes a conceptual model that posits entrepreneurial resources as antecedents to entrepreneurial intention, with economic stability and market opportunities as mediating variables. Data were collected through structured surveys from a sample of entrepreneurs in Sichuan and Shanghai. Preliminary findings suggest that entrepreneurial resources positively influence entrepreneurial intention, and this relationship is partially mediated by economic stability and market opportunities. The contrasting economic landscapes of Sichuan and Shanghai provide a unique context for understanding how regional differences impact the relationships among these variables. This study contributes to the entrepreneurship literature by providing empirical evidence on the mediating mechanisms through which economic stability and market opportunities influence the relationship between entrepreneurial resources and entrepreneurial intention. The findings offer practical implications for policymakers and practitioners seeking to enhance entrepreneurial ecosystems and promote sustainable economic development in different regions of China. Further research could explore additional contextual factors and expand the scope to other regions or countries for comparative analysis.