PREDICTIVE INFLUENCE OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP EDUCATION IN THE DIGITAL ERA ON BUSINESS PERFORMANCE AND INNOVATION ADOPTION AMONG SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN NORTH CENTRAL NIGERIA

Abstract

This paper examined the predictive influence of entrepreneurship education in the digital era on business performance and innovative adoption among small and medium enterprises in North Central Nigeria. Three research questions were answered, and three null hypotheses were formulated. This study employed a correlation research design. The target population comprised 21,537 SME operators registered with state branches of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and affiliated trade and cooperative associations within the six selected states, namely: Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger and Plateau States. The sample of the study was 424 SME operators selected using a proportionate stratified sampling technique. Data for this study were collected using three structured researcher-developed questionnaires designed to measure the major constructs of the study. To ensure content validity, the three instruments were subjected to expert review. Reliability of the instruments was determined using the Cronbach’s alpha method, and coefficients of 0.89 for QEEDE, 0.86 for BPQ) and 0.71 for IAQ were obtained. Regression analysis was used for data analysis. Linear regression was used to answer research questions 1 and 2 and test null hypotheses 1 and 2. More so, multiple regression was used to answer research question 3 and test null hypothesis 3 at 0.05 alpha level. The finding revealed that entrepreneurship education in the digital age significantly predicted innovative adoption and business performance among SMES in North Central Nigeria. It was also found that entrepreneurship education in the digital era jointly predicted innovation adoption and business performance among SMEs in North Central Nigeria. It was recommended amongst others that federal and state governments should implement Digital Entrepreneurship Clusters, where SMEs receive integrated support combining digital training, innovation financing, and technical assistance