Entrepreneurship has emerged as a critical driver of economic growth, innovation, and youth empowerment in today’s interconnected world. Understanding the factors that influence entrepreneurial intention is essential for designing education policies, business support systems, and global development strategies. At the STEAM Conference 2025, a dedicated session titled “Factors Influencing Entrepreneurial Intention: A Cross-Country Comparison of Five Countries” was held at Amin Auditorium under the National Business School 3 track. The session explored cross-cultural insights, highlighting both universal and region-specific determinants of entrepreneurial motivation.

The session was chaired by Prof. Dr. Irfan Ahmad Baig (MNS University of Agriculture, Multan), who emphasized that entrepreneurial intention is shaped by a combination of personal, societal, and economic factors. Supporting him as Co-Chair, Dr. Tariq Jameel (The University of Faisalabad) noted that comparative studies across countries provide actionable insights for policymakers, educators, and business leaders aiming to nurture entrepreneurship in diverse cultural contexts.

Keynote Insight: Emerging Challenges in Food Marketing Chains in Pakistan – Mustafa Aslan, Istanbul Bilgi University, Turkiye

The keynote presentation, delivered by Mustafa Aslan, examined the structural and operational challenges of food marketing chains in Pakistan. He highlighted that market inefficiencies, logistical bottlenecks, and regulatory gaps often constrain entrepreneurial opportunities in the agri-food sector. Mustafa stressed that understanding these challenges is crucial for aspiring entrepreneurs, as they influence both motivation and the practical feasibility of starting a business in emerging markets.

Invited Talks: Strengthening the Global Entrepreneurship Perspective

Global Lessons in Digital Youth Empowerment – Amar Razzaq, Huanggang Normal University, China

Amar Razzaq presented insights from Asia’s e-commerce ecosystems, emphasizing strategies for digitally empowering youth entrepreneurs. He discussed successful digital platforms, mentorship programs, and cross-border learning models, showing how technology can amplify entrepreneurial intention among young populations in diverse countries.

Women, Myths, and Misinformation: Gendered Vaccine Hesitancy – Sobia Maqsood, The University of Faisalabad

Sobia Maqsood explored how cultural myths and misinformation influence women’s participation in entrepreneurial activities. She connected vaccine hesitancy and societal perceptions to broader gendered barriers in business leadership, highlighting the importance of inclusive policies to strengthen women’s entrepreneurial intentions.

Bridging Policy and Implementation: Anti-Encroachment Strategies – Sidra Ghulam Muhammad, The University of Faisalabad

Sidra Ghulam Muhammad presented an applied study of urban sustainability policies in Punjab, linking governance practices to business opportunities. Her talk demonstrated how regulatory clarity, enforcement, and supportive policy environments are critical for motivating entrepreneurs to invest in innovative urban ventures.

The Fintech Revolution: Redefining Post-COVID Banking – Rimsha Shahid, The University of Faisalabad

Rimsha Shahid discussed the transformative effects of fintech on post-pandemic banking, work practices, and customer experience. She emphasized that fintech adoption can inspire entrepreneurial initiatives by lowering entry barriers, enabling digital financial services, and supporting startup ecosystems.

Supportive Leadership and Work-Family Enrichment – Tariq Jamil, The University of Faisalabad

Tariq Jamil explored how workplace leadership and supportive work-family policies contribute to employee motivation and entrepreneurial ambition. By demonstrating the psychological and social factors that influence intention, his study underscored the human dimension of entrepreneurship across cultures.

Health-Promoting Leadership and Workplace Well-Being – Maryam Saleem, The University of Faisalabad

Maryam Saleem ( The University of Faisalabad ) presented research on how thriving, psychological capital, and wellness-oriented leadership impact motivation and risk-taking behaviors—key determinants of entrepreneurial intention. Her work illustrated that well-being and positive workplace culture are integral to sustaining entrepreneurial drive.

Why Cross-Country Comparisons Matter

The session highlighted that entrepreneurial intention is influenced by multiple intertwined factors, including:

  • Cultural norms and societal expectations
  • Policy frameworks and regulatory environments
  • Digital access and technological literacy
  • Leadership support and organizational culture
  • Health, well-being, and psychological readiness

By comparing experiences across five countries, researchers demonstrated both universal principles and context-specific variations, providing a roadmap for global entrepreneurship education and policy development.

Conclusion

The session made it clear that understanding entrepreneurial intention requires a holistic, interdisciplinary, and culturally informed approach. Guided by Prof. Dr. Irfan Ahmad Baig and Dr. Tariq Jameel, and enriched by insights from Mustafa Aslan, Amar Razzaq, Sobia Maqsood, Sidra Ghulam Muhammad, Rimsha Shahid, Tariq Jamil, and Maryam Saleem, the discussion emphasized the urgent need for strategies that foster innovation, digital empowerment, and inclusive entrepreneurship.

As countries move toward knowledge-based economies, insights from comparative studies can empower policymakers, educators, and industry leaders to cultivate entrepreneurial ecosystems that are resilient, innovative, and globally competitive.