Factors Influencing the Promotion of Sustainable Entrepreneurship Development Among Students in Higher Vocational Colleges in Shandong Province

This study aimed to explore factors influencing the promotion of sustainable entrepreneurship development among students in higher vocational colleges and to propose actionable approaches to achieve this goal. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the study integrated quantitative and qualitative methodologies for a comprehensive analysis. The quantitative phase involved 400 vocational students selected through stratified random sampling, ensuring representation across gender, academic grade, and field of study. Data collection utilized a structured questionnaire validated by experts and tested for reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.85). The qualitative phase comprised semi-structured interviews with 12 experts in entrepreneurship education and business management, offering in-depth insights. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression. Results indicated that the education management environment was the most critical factor, followed by the market environment. Correlation analysis showed significant relationships, with the market environment and education management environment as the strongest predictors of sustainable entrepreneurship development. Regression analysis further confirmed the market environment as the most significant contributor, emphasizing the pivotal role of institutional and external factors. The findings highlighted the importance of integrating sustainability into entrepreneurship curricula, strengthening partnerships with industries, providing financial and policy support, and fostering innovation-driven ecosystems. Challenges included insufficient policy implementation, weak entrepreneurial skills, and limited family support. Recommendations included developing specialized entrepreneurship curricula, establishing mentorship programs, simplifying funding access, and promoting community engagement to create a sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem. This research contributes to understanding the dynamics of sustainable entrepreneurship in vocational education, offering actionable strategies to enhance educational practices and align with global sustainability goals. The study underscores the importance of collaborative efforts among educators, policymakers, and communities in fostering entrepreneurial growth aligned with sustainability principles.