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Abstract

This study examines the entrepreneurial intentions of Austrian secondary school students, specifically comparing students from commercial schools with those from general education schools. We analyzed 2,329 data sets and found that subjective beliefs, primarily behavioral and control beliefs, significantly influence entrepreneurial intentions. In addition, demographic factors such as gender, language, acquaintance with entrepreneurs, and school type play a significant role in explaining the variance in entrepreneurial intentions.

Our detailed analysis shows that students from commercial schools have stronger entrepreneurial intentions and subjective beliefs. Particularly notable are the differences in behavioral beliefs, where students from commercial schools find all aspects of entrepreneurship more attractive, especially job creation, taking calculated risks, and being one's own boss. The differences in control beliefs suggest that commercial school students also feel better prepared for entrepreneurial tasks, especially in identifying market opportunities, securing financial resources, and maintaining relationships.

These findings are consistent with the business and entrepreneurial focus of commercial schools, suggesting that they are effectively nurturing the entrepreneurial potential of their students. In considering instructional improvements for commercial schools, whether they should further increase their focus on aspects where students from both types of schools show minimal or no significant differences.

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