Enhancing Human Capital Development in Remote Regions through Digital Literacy: The Mediating Effect of Entrepreneurial Mindset
Keywords:
Digital Literacy, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Human Capital Development, Remote RegionsAbstract
Human capital development in remote regions is a crucial factor in fostering inclusive and sustainable economic ecosystems, particularly in the global era where competitiveness is increasingly determined by knowledge, skills, and innovation. However, communities in remote areas often face barriers such as limited access to education, digital infrastructure, and entrepreneurial opportunities, which hinder their active participation in broader economic networks. This study aims to analyze the effect of digital literacy on human capital development, with an entrepreneurial mindset as a mediating variable. The research objects are Papuan students at Universitas Cenderawasih who have taken entrepreneurship courses, as they are considered to possess fundamental knowledge of entrepreneurship and have gained practical experience through campus programs such as entrepreneurship bazaars. The study involved a population of 220 students, with a total sample of 142 respondents determined using Slovin’s formula. A quantitative approach was employed, and data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using SmartPLS to test both direct and indirect relationships in the proposed structural model. The results indicate that digital literacy has a significant positive impact on human capital development, while the entrepreneurial mindset serves as a mediating variable that strengthens this relationship. These findings highlight that enhancing an entrepreneurial mindset is a strategic pathway to maximize the impact of digital competencies on sustainable human capital development in remote regions. The study contributes to the literature on human capital development in emerging economies and provides practical insights for policymakers and educators in designing more targeted development programs for academic communities in remote areas.
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