Mediating role of Entrepreneurial Intention on the relationship between knowledge transfer in accepting innovations and sustainable entrepreneurial behavior: A study on farmers in Ratnapura district, Sri Lanka
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61308/TMQV4260Keywords:
Entrepreneurial Intention, innovation adoption, knowledge transfer, mediation analysis, sustainable entrepreneurial behaviorAbstract
Sustainable entrepreneurial behavior among farmers is essential for improving profitability, driving innovation, and advancing sustainability in the acceptance of knowledge transfer and innovation. This study investigates the mediating role of Entrepreneurial Intention (EI), in the relationship between knowledge transfer in innovation acceptance (KTIA) and sustainable entrepreneurial behavior (SEB). Using descriptive statistics and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), the study analyzes data collected from a questionnaire survey of 392 farmers in Ratnapura District, Sri Lanka, between March and August of 2024. Participants were selected through a non-proportional random sampling method. All participants had attended agricultural extension programs and training sessions, organized by the Provincial Department of Agriculture in the Sabaragamuwa Province. The results revealed that most farmers are experienced, middle-aged males with senior secondary education and limited income. While they have exposure to agricultural training and practices, land ownership is minimal, and farm-level production is predominant. KTIA was found to significantly influence SEB both directly and indirectly through EI, emphasizing the importance of fostering EI to promote sustainable agricultural practices and innovation. The findings offer valuable contributions to the theoretical understanding of SEB, and provide practical implications for policymakers, educators, and enterprises support institutions aiming to foster a resilient and innovation-driven entrepreneurial ecosystem.
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