Abstract

This study investigates the influence of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Education (IEE) within China’s higher education system on college students’ entrepreneurial leadership, focusing on entrepreneurial ability as a mediating variable. With growing national emphasis on “Mass Entrepreneurship and Innovation,” Chinese universities have widely incorporated IEE curriculum to cultivate entrepreneurial thinking and leadership. However, empirical evidence remains limited regarding how such educational initiatives translate into actual leadership capabilities. This research addresses this gap by examining how IEE shapes both entrepreneurial ability and leadership behaviors. Based on a survey of 600 sophomore students from six major universities in Henan Province and employing Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), findings reveal that IEE significantly enhances students’ entrepreneurial leadership both directly and indirectly through entrepreneurial ability. Furthermore, the impact of entrepreneurial ability on entrepreneurial leadership is more substantial than that of education alone, emphasizing its central role. The study concludes with actionable recommendations, such as strengthening the dual-subject awareness of entrepreneurship education, tailoring programs to China’s evolving entrepreneurial landscape, and enhancing hands-on training. The research provides theoretical contributions and practical implications for policymakers, educators, and university administrators aiming to reinforce the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Chinese higher education.

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