International Journal of Entrepreneurial Knowledge https://www.ijek.org/index.php/IJEK <div id="lipsum" style="text-align: justify;"> <div><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">An independent scientific periodical peer-reviewed journal <strong>International Journal of Entrepreneurial Knowledge (IJEK),</strong> provides expert information on all aspects of entrepreneurship and business issues, including the results of domestic and international authors' basic and applied economic research. </span></div> <div> </div> <div><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">International Journal of Entrepreneurial Knowledge is </span>published by the Center for International Scientific Research of VŠO and VŠPP (<a title="Center for International Scientific Research of VŠO and VŠPP" href="https://www.cisrvv.cz/">www.cisrvv.cz</a>) in cooperation with the following partners: <ul> <li class="show">Pan-European University in Prague, Czech Republic</li> <li class="show">School of Business and Administration of the Polytechnic Institute of Setúbal, Portugal</li> <li class="show">Faculty of Operation and Economics of Transport and Communications, University of Zilina, Slovakia</li> <li class="show">Szent István University, Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences, Hungary</li> <li class="show">University of Debrecen Faculty of Economics and Business, Hungary</li> </ul> </div> <div>Journal brings the expert opinions and results of the scientific studies related to entrepreneurship in a wide range of scientific fields, like <span style="line-height: 1.3em;">entrepreneurship, </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">enterprise economics, </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">business administration, </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">innovation management in entrepreneurship, </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">entrepreneurial finance, </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">international trade and finance, </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">knowledge entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial knowledge, entrepreneurial business models, entrepreneurial behavior, entrepreneurial decision making, the social and ecological impact of entrepreneurship, start-ups, and incubation, success and failure in entrepreneurship, personality, local, regional and global aspects of entrepreneurship, evolution, and history of entrepreneurship, personalities, and profiles of entrepreneurs, and other entrepreneurial issues.</span></div> <div> </div> <div> <div> <div>IJEK considers the following types of articles:</div> <div> <ul> <li class="show"><strong>Research</strong> - reports of data from original research. Articles bring information about the outputs of the primary research of the author.</li> <li class="show"><strong>Case studies</strong>– the articles presenting the experience of applying the existing method or procedure and bringing relevant findings that could be valuable for other readers.</li> <li class="show"><strong>Review articles</strong> - the systematic review or comparative study of already known knowledge. A review should bring any new viewpoints and connections which could be valuable for the other readers.</li> </ul> </div> </div> <div>In some cases, we accept the papers that inform about the progress of the scientific projects financed by the European Union in the Other Issues section.</div> <div> </div> </div> <div>The first issue of the journal was published in December 2013. The journal is published two times a year in electronic form. The printed form of the journal was published from 2013 to 2020.</div> <div> </div> <div><strong style="line-height: 1.3em;">International Journal of Entrepreneurial Knowledge</strong><strong style="line-height: 1.3em;"> (IJEK)</strong><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">maintains a standard double-blind peer-review process. The double-blind process means that the author does not know the reviewer’s identity, nor does the reviewer know the name of the author or other reviewers.</span></div> <div> </div> <div> <div>All articles are published <strong>free of charge</strong>. IJEK is an Open Access journal and does not charge readers or their institutions for access. </div> <div> </div> <div> <p><strong>Copyright</strong></p> <ul> <li class="show">The Center for International Scientific Research of VŠO and VŠPP (<a title="Center for International Scientific Research of VŠO and VŠPP" href="https://www.cisrvv.cz/">www.cisrvv.cz</a>) is a publisher of the International Journal of Entrepreneurial Knowledge.</li> <li class="show">Copyright belongs to the Center for International Scientific Research of VŠO and VŠPP (<a style="background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 0.875rem;" title="Center for International Scientific Research of VŠO and VŠPP" href="https://www.cisrvv.cz/">www.cisrvv.cz</a><span style="font-size: 0.875rem;">)</span>.</li> <li class="show">The publisher, Center for International Scientific Research of VŠO and VŠPP (<a title="Center for International Scientific Research of VŠO and VŠPP" href="https://www.cisrvv.cz/">www.cisrvv.cz</a>), provides free access policy to the <span style="line-height: 1.3em;">International Journal of Entrepreneurial Knowledge.</span></li> <li class="show">International Journal of Entrepreneurial Knowledge is an open-access journal with <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/" rel="license">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License</a> (CC BY-NC-ND) policy which means that all content is freely available without charge to the user or his/her institution. Users are allowed to read, download, copy, distribute, print, search, or link to the full texts of the articles or use them for any other lawful purpose without asking the publisher's or the author's prior permission. This is in accordance with the BOAI definition of open access.</li> </ul> </div> </div> <div><span style="font-size: 0.875rem;">International Journal of Entrepreneurial Knowledge uses </span><strong style="font-size: 0.875rem;">Digital Object Identifier System (DOI).</strong></div> </div> en-US <p><span style="background-color: #ffffff;">International Journal of Entrepreneurial Knowledge</span> (<span style="background-color: #ffffff;">ISSN 2336-2960</span>) is published by the Center for International Scientific Research of VŠO and VŠPP in cooperation with the following partners:</p> <ul> <li class="show">University College of Business in Prague, Czech Republic</li> <li class="show">University of Entrepreneurship and Law, Prague, Czech Republic</li> <li class="show">School of Business and Administration of the Polytechnic Institute of Setúbal, Portugal</li> <li class="show">Faculty of Operation and Economics of Transport and Communications, University of Zilina, Slovakia</li> </ul> <div>IJEK is an Open Access journal and does not charge readers or their institutions for access. </div> <div> <ul> <li class="show">Copyright belongs to the Center for International Scientific Research of VŠO and VŠPP.</li> <li class="show">The publisher, Center for International Scientific Research of VŠO and VŠPP, provides free access policy to the Journal of Tourism and Services.</li> <li class="show">International Journal of Entrepreneurial Knowledge is an open-access journal with CC BY-NC-ND licensing policy which means that all content is freely available without charge to the user or his/her institution. Users are allowed to read, download, copy, distribute, print, search, or link to the full texts of the articles, or use them for any other lawful purpose, without asking prior permission from the publisher or the author. This is in accordance with the BOAI definition of open access.</li> </ul> </div> info@ijek.org (prof. Ing. Aleksandr Ključnikov, Ph.D.) info@ijek.org (prof. Ing. Aleksandr Ključnikov, Ph.D.) Mon, 30 Jun 2025 09:33:26 +0200 OJS 3.3.0.4 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 60 THE INFLUENCE OF ENTREPRENEURIAL LEARNING BASED ON PROJECT-BASED LEARNING AND SELF-EFFICACY ON VOCATIONAL STUDENTS' INTEREST IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP THROUGH ENTREPRENEURIAL MOTIVATION https://www.ijek.org/index.php/IJEK/article/view/229 <p>The purpose of this research was to analyze the influence of project-based learning on entrepreneurship, self-efficacy, and entrepreneurial motivation on entrepreneurial interest, as well as the influence of project-based learning on entrepreneurship and self-efficacy on students' entrepreneurial interest through entrepreneurial motivation. The data used in this research were obtained through interviews and a closed questionnaire. The sample size in this study included a total of 139 students of Marketing during the 2023/2024 academic year. The respondents were selected using purposive sampling and proportional stratified random sampling techniques. Meanwhile, the data analysis techniques employed include validity tests, reliability tests, classical assumption tests, multiple linear regression analysis, and the Sobel test. The results of this research indicate that entrepreneurial learning based on project-based learning, self-efficacy, and entrepreneurial motivation influences entrepreneurial interest. Entrepreneurial learning based on project-based learning and self-efficacy influences entrepreneurial interest in students through entrepreneurial motivation. The implication of this research is that schools are expected to be able to implement the entrepreneurial learning process effectively. Teachers are expected to increase students' entrepreneurial motivation, thereby enhancing their interest in entrepreneurship. Students are expected to develop self-efficacy in exploring the business world, becoming better prepared and motivated to pursue entrepreneurship. This research’s contribution and added value are in the form of theoretical and practical benefits.</p> Alfia Anesya Putri Difa, Arintoko, Aldila Krisnaresanti Copyright (c) 2025 International Journal of Entrepreneurial Knowledge https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0 https://www.ijek.org/index.php/IJEK/article/view/229 Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200 CHALLENGES OF INNOVATIVE ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN A TECHNOLOGICAL ERA: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW https://www.ijek.org/index.php/IJEK/article/view/276 <p>The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected entrepreneurs, compelling them to close, downsize, diversify, or adopt innovative approaches to stay afloat. This global challenge, coupled with technological disruptions, resulted in many losing their jobs and entering the competitive entrepreneurship space that requires them to be innovative to succeed. However, without the right resources, context, and environment, entrepreneurs may struggle to innovate. This paper aims to investigate the challenges to innovative entrepreneurship in a technological era. We used an integrative review to synthesize challenges to innovative entrepreneurship from 42 empirical studies in different countries worldwide. A thematic approach was used to analyse the content of the articles. Results reveal that factors related to the entrepreneur’s skills and traits impede innovative entrepreneurship. Also, challenges related to finance, human resources, operational capabilities, and marketing obstruct innovation in entrepreneurship. In addition, environmental factors related to the country, social and cultural norms, and the entrepreneurship ecosystem pose challenges to innovative entrepreneurship. Innovation has become the order of the day, and knowledge of the obstacles to innovative entrepreneurship is vital. Findings can help in designing all-around support to promote innovative entrepreneurship.</p> Gaelle Fitong Ketchiwou, Patrick Ngulube Copyright (c) 2025 International Journal of Entrepreneurial Knowledge https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0 https://www.ijek.org/index.php/IJEK/article/view/276 Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200 ENTREPRENEURIAL INTENTION: AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS OF NINE COUNTRIES BASED ON GEM https://www.ijek.org/index.php/IJEK/article/view/277 <p>This study examines the determinants of entrepreneurial intention (EI) across nine countries using data from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM). Grounded in the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Expectancy Confirmation Theory (ECT), the study investigates relationships among personal attitude (PI), subjective norms (SN), perceived behavioral control (PBC), and three mediating factors: High Status of Entrepreneurs (HS), High Job Expectations (HJE), and Entrepreneurship as a Good Career Choice (GCC). Analyzing 169 valid samples from 2001 to 2023 using covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM), the findings reveal that PBC significantly influences HJE and GCC, positively shaping EI. However, HS negatively impacts EI, as societal perceptions of high-status entrepreneurs raise entry barriers and diminish self-efficacy. Additionally, early entrepreneurial activity (TEA) does not significantly affect HS, reflecting evolving attitudes toward entrepreneurship as less exclusive. These insights imply the need to re-evaluate societal narratives around entrepreneurship and create educational programs to boost realistic expectations and self-efficacy. This article is intended for policymakers, educators, and researchers in entrepreneurship. Policymakers can use the findings to design inclusive policies, educators can develop targeted training programs, and researchers can expand the theoretical understanding of cross-national entrepreneurial behavior. This study contributes by integrating GEM data with TPB and ECT frameworks, offering a comprehensive understanding of global EI determinants and practical insights for fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems.</p> Shaohua Ben Copyright (c) 2025 International Journal of Entrepreneurial Knowledge https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0 https://www.ijek.org/index.php/IJEK/article/view/277 Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200 CONTRIBUTION OF ENTREPRENEURIAL LEADERSHIP ON ENTREPRENEURIAL DEVELOPMENT: A SOUTH AFRICAN CASE https://www.ijek.org/index.php/IJEK/article/view/282 <p>The paper examines the contribution of entrepreneurial leadership (EL) to entrepreneurial development (ED) in South Africa. A quantitative, correlational research design was applied to moderately measure the contribution level of critical thinking, innovation adoption, business growth, financial performance, accountability, and sustainability as a basis of entrepreneurial development. Data were collected from 280 small, micro, and medium business owners and managers across various sectors in the Gauteng Province. Descriptive statistics showed moderate to high levels of agreement on the significance of EL and ED, with mean scores of 3.9 and 3.5, respectively. The Nagelkerke pseudo-R-squared value (0.45) and the positive parameter estimates for EL (1.81, p &lt; 0.001) and the moderate Spearman correlation (0.61, p &lt; 0.001) indicate that EL positively influences ED; other contextual factors may also contribute, highlighting the need for further research into complementary determinants. The study links EL behaviours with ED sustainability and provides empirical evidence supporting previous theoretical frameworks, thereby contributing to the body of knowledge by reinforcing the role of EL as a significant measure of ED. However, the moderate correlation indicates that while EL is crucial, additional approaches and supports, such as financial support, innovation, and mentorship programs, should be considered in fostering entrepreneurial growth and sustainability.</p> Timothy O. Aluko Copyright (c) 2025 International Journal of Entrepreneurial Knowledge https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0 https://www.ijek.org/index.php/IJEK/article/view/282 Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200 RECONCILING MINERAL ROYALTY TAX REVENUE AND INWARD FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT https://www.ijek.org/index.php/IJEK/article/view/297 <p>Zambia’s mining sector is crucial to its economy, significantly contributing to national revenue and foreign direct investment (FDI). However, the country has struggled to balance mineral royalty tax (MRT) revenue generation with attracting and retaining FDI. This study develops the Taxation and Investment Reconciliation Theory (TIRT) as a strategic framework for balancing taxation policies and investment incentives in resource-rich nations. Using a mixed-methods approach, integrating econometric analysis and qualitative insights from policymakers, investors, and mining firms, the research examines the impact of MRT regimes on FDI inflows in Zambia. The study employs a convergent parallel design and applies an Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model to time series data to analyse how changes in royalty tax structures influence investment decisions and government revenue. Additionally, it evaluates policy inconsistencies and investor perceptions of Zambia’s fiscal framework. A key outcome is the TIRT model, which incorporates international best practices and empirical data from other resource-rich economies to establish a sustainable taxation-investment balance. Findings highlight that predictable, stable, and flexible tax policies are essential for aligning government revenue objectives with investor confidence. The study emphasises the importance of political stability and stakeholder interests in achieving a sustainable mining sector. It concludes by recommending a policy framework that aligns Zambia’s MRT with long-term FDI growth, ensuring a robust and sustainable mining sector. This research contributes to the discourse on mineral taxation in developing economies, offering a practical model for optimizing both revenue generation and foreign investment.</p> Oscar Kaonga, Lubinda Haabazoka, Bwalya Chilolo Copyright (c) 2025 International Journal of Entrepreneurial Knowledge https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0 https://www.ijek.org/index.php/IJEK/article/view/297 Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200 INFLATION AND UNEMPLOYMENT IN SLOVAKIA: IS THE PHILLIPS CURVE STILL RELEVANT? https://www.ijek.org/index.php/IJEK/article/view/304 <p>This article investigates the validity of the Phillips curve in the current economic conditions of the Slovak Republic. The Phillips curve, which suggests an inverse relationship between inflation and unemployment, has been one of the most important concepts in macroeconomics since its creation. However, its role and relevance in modern economies have been questioned, primarily due to various factors such as monetary policies, globalization, and structural changes in labor markets. The analysis focuses on the Slovak economy. Examined was the relationship between inflation and unemployment after the country joined the European Union and adopted the euro. By utilizing multiple correlation analysis, the study assesses the strength, direction, and statistical significance of the relationship in recent years. The results suggest that, while the Phillips curve remains valid in the Slovak economy, the strength of the correlation has diminished compared to the period when the theory was first introduced. This decline in the relationship can be attributed to various factors, including the centralization of monetary policy under the European Central Bank, changes in labor market dynamics, and external economic shocks. These findings imply that policymakers should reconsider relying solely on traditional inflation-unemployment trade-offs when formulating monetary and labor market policies. Overall, the findings of this study provide valuable insights into the evolving nature of the Phillips curve and its relevance in today's economy. This research contributes to the limited empirical literature on small open economies within the euro area, providing updated evidence on the dynamics of the Phillips curve in the Slovak context.</p> Matúš Senci, Charles Copyright (c) 2025 International Journal of Entrepreneurial Knowledge https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0 https://www.ijek.org/index.php/IJEK/article/view/304 Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200 ENTREPRENEURIAL ECOSYSTEM AS A CATALYST FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH: A GLOBAL EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE USING A NOVEL COMPOSITE INDEX https://www.ijek.org/index.php/IJEK/article/view/309 <p>In this paper, we examine the role of entrepreneurial ecosystems in driving economic growth across 107 economies from 2011 to 2023. Our objective is to develop and validate a composite index that captures the efficiency of national entrepreneurship systems and assesses its impact on economic growth. To achieve this, we construct six entrepreneurial sub-indexes and a composite Global Entrepreneurship Monitor Index (GEMI) using a two-step approach: first, we apply an output-oriented slacks-based measure (SBM) data envelopment analysis (DEA); second, we use ordinary least squares (OLS) and fixed effects panel regressions to estimate the relationship between GEMI and GDP growth. We also conduct multiple robustness checks using GDP per capita and alternative model specifications. We find that GEMI has a robust positive impact on economic growth, consistent with the Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Theory (EET), which emphasizes the critical role of a well-rounded entrepreneurial environment. Our additional analyses reveal key patterns across income levels, regions, and stages of economic development, indicating that high-income countries benefit the most, middle-income countries experience moderate gains, and low-income countries face significant barriers. We observe that GEMI plays a more transformative role in developed economies, where synergies between financial systems, governance, and open markets amplify its effects compared to emerging economies. Regional variations reveal stronger gains in Europe and Latin America, while Sub-Saharan Africa and MENA regions remain constrained by weak infrastructure and governance. Results remain consistent across robustness checks using GDP per capita and alternative estimation techniques. Our findings offer practical implications for policymakers, international development institutions, and researchers aiming to foster entrepreneurship-led growth. We emphasize the importance of strengthening regulatory frameworks, expanding access to finance, and investing in education and infrastructure to unlock the transformative potential of entrepreneurship.</p> Karim Iddouch, Omar Jaoual Copyright (c) 2025 International Journal of Entrepreneurial Knowledge https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0 https://www.ijek.org/index.php/IJEK/article/view/309 Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200 NAVIGATING THE ENTREPRENEURIAL JOURNEY: THE ROLE OF SOCIAL SUPPORT IN ENHANCING WELL-BEING AND PERFORMANCE https://www.ijek.org/index.php/IJEK/article/view/316 <p>This study examines the influence of support from family, friends, and lecturers on the entrepreneurial well-being and performance of university students, with a focus on the moderating role of entrepreneurial resilience. A nomothetic quantitative methodology was employed, using a survey to collect responses from 261 university students in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Structural equation modeling validated the findings and assessed the relationships between social support, entrepreneurial well-being, resilience, and performance. The study confirms that family, friends, and lecturers have a significant impact on entrepreneurial well-being. It was also found that entrepreneurial well-being, in turn, has a significant impact on entrepreneurial performance. Additionally, entrepreneurial resilience moderates this relationship, strengthening the link between entrepreneurial well-being and performance. This study highlights the crucial role of social support in enhancing entrepreneurial well-being and performance among university students. Through highlighting the contributions of family, friends, and lecturers, these findings underscore the importance of cultivating strong support systems within the academic environment. The implications point to the need for universities to strengthen student support networks and promote resilience-building initiatives that maximise entrepreneurial outcomes. It is therefore recommended that higher education institutions integrate mentorship, peer collaboration, and psychological resilience training into their entrepreneurship. This study adds value by extending social support and entrepreneurial resilience theories into a student entrepreneurship context within a developing country, contributing novel insights to the literature on youth entrepreneurship.</p> Eugine Tafadzwa Maziriri, Miston Mapuranga, Tinashe Chuchu Copyright (c) 2025 International Journal of Entrepreneurial Knowledge https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0 https://www.ijek.org/index.php/IJEK/article/view/316 Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200