Professional and personal social networks: A bridge to entrepreneurship for academics?

Abstract

From a cognitive perspective, this study analyses academics' entrepreneurial intentions and how they are affected by the perception of support received through personal and professional social networks (including mentors, business networks and forums). In addition, we examine the mediator role of two relevant cognitive factors: entrepreneurial attitudes and self-efficacy. The hypotheses were tested using regression analysis, on a sample population of 630 Spanish academics. The results obtained highlight the positive roles played by the perceived support of mentors and business and personal networks in promoting academics' interest in new business ventures, and the fact that entrepreneurial attitudes and self-efficacy play significant mediator roles. Analysis of the marginal effects of certain professional networks and of their lesser impact at a psychological level can produce interesting implications and insights, both for the academic world and for policy makers in this area.