Higher education and start-up intentions: The role of intellectual capital in entrepreneurial processes

Abstract

This article investigates the influence that attending university classes can have on entrepreneurial processes leading to the creation of start-ups. In particular, attention is focused on the three main components of intellectual capital (IC) – human, relational and structural capital – that individuals can develop in university classes and that can affect their intentions with regard to entrepreneurship. From an empirical point of view, the article tests whether human, relational and structural capital have a different impact on start-up expectations by comparing young university students, young graduates and older people. The statistical analysis is based on binomial logistic regression models and uses second-hand data retrieved from Global Entrepreneurship Monitor website and provided by 2000 Italian respondents. The results reveal noticeable differences between young university students, young graduates and older people, indicating that IC components affecting entrepreneurship processes do vary in relation to the profiles of aspiring entrepreneurs.