The gig economy in Pakistan has rapidly expanded, offering new opportunities for self-employment through digital platforms. Within this evolving landscape, digital readiness, the ability to effectively use digital tools, literacy, and communication technologies have become critical factors influencing entrepreneurial preparedness. This study examines the relationship between digital readiness and digital entrepreneurial readiness behavior (DERB), conceptualized as a higher-order construct comprising identity, intention, interest, and potential. Using data from gig workers in Pakistan, the study applies the two-step disjoint approach in partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS‑SEM) to validate the hierarchical relationship between readiness and entrepreneurial behavior. This study contributes theoretically by extending the discourse on digital entrepreneurship and, practically, by offering insights for policymakers, educators, and platform providers. Overall, the findings suggest that digital readiness plays a pivotal role in empowering gig workers to transition from digital labor to digital entrepreneurship, fostering innovation, and sustainable economic growth.

Digital Readiness, Digital Entrepreneurial Readiness Behavior, Digital Entrepreneurial Identity, Digital Entrepreneurial Intention, Digital Entrepreneurial Interest, Digital Entrepreneurial Potential

(1) Haseeb Khan Khakwani
PhD scholar, Department of Commerce, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Punjab, Pakistan.
(2) Asif Yaseen
Professor of Entrepreneurship, Department of Commerce, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Punjab, Pakistan.
(3) Masood ul Hassan
Professor of Management, Department of Commerce, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Punjab, Pakistan.