International Journal of Human Capital in Urban Management
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Digital readiness and entrepreneurial mindset in higher education: Overcoming barriers through cross-cultural perspectives


Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 27 May 2026
International Journal of Human Capital in Urban Management

Document Type : ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE

Authors

V. Shcherbak 1
V. Riashchenko 2
M. Petrova 3
O. Dorokhov 4
L. Dorokhova 5
V. Yatsenko 6
O. Yermolenko 7

1 Department of Economics and Entrepreneurship, Sumy National Agrarian University, Sumy, 40000, Ukraine

2 Department of Management, RNU Riga Nordic University, LV-1009 Riga, Latvia

3 Department of Information Technologies, St. Cyril and St. Methodius University of Veliko Turnovo, 5003, Veliko Turnovo, Bulgaria

4 Department of Public Economics, University of Tartu, 50090 Tartu, Estonia

5 Department of Marketing, University of Tartu, 50090 Tartu, Estonia

6 Department of Entrepreneurship, Trade and Tourism Business, Simon Kuznets Kharkiv National University of Economics, 61165 Kharkiv, Ukraine

7 Department of Social Economics, Simon Kuznets Kharkiv National University of Economics, 61165 Kharkiv, Ukraine

Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Digital transformation has become a defining factor in shaping entrepreneurial education and mindset in higher education. Despite growing institutional emphasis on digital entrepreneurship, many students and faculty members face persistent barriers that limit the transition from entrepreneurial intention to action. This study investigates how digital readiness, faculty engagement, and curriculum integration influence entrepreneurial mindset formation and help overcome cross-cultural differences in higher education institutions.
METHODS: A quantitative survey was conducted among 225 participants, including students and faculty members from universities in Bulgaria, China, and Ukraine. The study employed correlation analysis, an independent samples t-test, and ANCOVA to examine relationships between digital literacy, faculty participation in digital projects, curriculum integration, and entrepreneurial intentions.
FINDINGS: The study revealed a strong link between digital skills and entrepreneurial intentions: students with high digital literacy (4.6/5) were 46% more likely to pursue entrepreneurship than those with basic skills (3.2/5). Faculty involvement in digital projects also boosted support for student startups (4.2/5 vs 3.5/5). National differences in attitudes toward digital entrepreneurship largely reflected institutional digital readiness—77% of the initial 35-point gap was explained by curriculum integration of digital tools. Access to digital platforms increased perceived entrepreneurial feasibility by 32%, and institutions with comprehensive digital tools had 2.3 times more student-led startups than those with minimal infrastructure.
CONCLUSION: The study confirms that digital competence, active faculty involvement, and curriculum-level integration of digital tools are essential for fostering an entrepreneurial mindset and reducing institutional and cultural barriers in higher education. Universities should develop digital entrepreneurship ecosystems that combine technical training, experiential learning, and inclusive support structures to cultivate innovation and sustainability across academic communities.

Graphical Abstract

Digital readiness and entrepreneurial mindset in higher education: Overcoming barriers through cross-cultural perspectives

Keywords

">Digital readiness
Student entrepreneurship
Barriers
Cross-cultural perspective
Institutional support
Digital transformation.
Subjects
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  • Receive Date 18 June 2025
  • Revise Date 19 September 2025
  • Accept Date 26 May 2026

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