Digital Literacy and Entrepreneurial Mindset in the Middle East: A Structural Equation Approach
摘要
This study investigates the interplay between digital accessibility, digital skills, and digital literacy in shaping the entrepreneurial mindset and ecosystem in the Middle East. Despite growing digital entrepreneurship initiatives in the region, there remains limited empirical understanding of how digital readiness translates into entrepreneurial capacity and innovation. Grounded in the Resource-Based View (RBV) and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the research employs Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to analyze survey data from 250 entrepreneurs across diverse industries. Findings reveal that digital accessibility, skills, and literacy significantly contribute to the development of an entrepreneurial mindset, which, in turn, mediates their impact on the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem. Specifically, digital literacy enhances critical thinking, risk evaluation, and cybersecurity awareness, while digital skills foster innovation and adaptability. Digital accessibility reduces geographic and financial barriers, enabling broader participation in entrepreneurial activity. The results emphasize the critical role of a digitally empowered mindset in fostering resilient and sustainable entrepreneurship. The study offers practical insights for policymakers and educators aiming to strengthen digital inclusion and entrepreneurial capacity in the MENA region. By addressing the interdependencies between digital readiness and mindset, this research contributes a comprehensive framework to the digital entrepreneurship literature and supports more inclusive innovation-driven development in emerging economies.