Satellites to Sutherland-not quite coals to Newcastle!

2015

While the relationship between entrepreneurship and economic development has a long lineage, the idea of developing rural entrepreneurial communities to mobilize local resources in order to support a competitive advantage has only received vary scant attention in the literature. This paper explores the opportunity for rural communities to become more innovative by uncovering the constituent variables that enable them to develop their entrepreneurial capacity and capability. This should facilitate the basis for the development of a model for rural entrepreneurial communities and thus make a significant contribution to both theory and practice.

Recently there has been a boom in interest in the social entrepreneur and social entrepreneurship and increasingly social entrepreneurs and the organisations in which they are involved are perceived to play a significant role in contemporary society. The perceptions of policymakers are that the role of this sector could be even greater, particularly in terms of delivery and reform and in providing local services in ‘hard to reach’ remote and rural areas. Is this, though, an over-ideological strategy? After all, at an operational level such areas face a range of significant challenges. Aiming to broaden understanding, this paper deals with the questions: ‘what are the factors that influence how the social entrepreneur operates in a rural context?’ and ‘what are the difficulties faced by the rural social entrepreneur and can they be overcome to bring about change?’ It reports the findings from a study that considered the situations and perspectives of thirty respondents. This research not only demonstrates how social entrepreneurs have undertaken entrepreneurship, but also initiatives that have been successfully used to empower communities and bring about change.

2006

Policy responses to the problems facing rural areas across Europe have involved the replacement of “productivist” measures that subsidise agriculture to strategies promoting “integrated rural development”, emphasising the interconnections between various facets of the rural economy. Thus farm modernisation and product processing and marketing are linked with the promotion of a more diversified economic base centred on tourism and recreation

Third Concept , 2022

Today rural entrepreneurship has emerged as a dynamic Concept. In general parlance rural entrepreneurship is defined as ‘entrepreneurship emerging at village level which can take place in a variety of fields of Endeavour such as industry, business, agriculture and act as a potent factor for overall economic development’. Compared to former times, entrepreneurship has been associated with rural area development. Entrepreneurship is difficult to define. For some, entrepreneurship largely entails innovation, while for others, it involves taking risks. For some, it is creating, running, and owning a small business. For others, it is a force that stabilizes the market. By examining the issues and difficulties encountered and attempting to propose some solutions, the paper analyzes the responsibilities of rural entrepreneurs in economic development

Growth and Change, 2009

Tourism has been recognised as a key economic driver in rural regions of the UK (Ilbery et al. 2007). These rural areas are typically endowed with natural resources that are strong attractors of both tourists and tourism businesses. Declining primary industries and an outflow of the younger generation to urban areas mean that the tourism sector is regarded as the best development option in a path dependent economic trajectory. However development implies change and the change-agents in an economy are entrepreneurs. This presents a problem, since the individuals attracted to the ‘rural idyll’ to start-up in business are the more senior counter-urbanites that are motivated by lifestyle. It is assumed that since they are ‘life-style’ businesses they cannot be entrepreneurs. This is not the only entrepreneurial assumption that is made about rural tourism businesses. It also seems accepted that growth and innovation are appropriate sector-based measures of entrepreneurship, and that the business or owner-manager is the only appropriate unit of analysis. This paper sets out to challenge these assumptions. Using 2 quantitative data-sets, both based in the rural North of England, this paper shows that the majority of rural tourism businesses can be regarded as entrepreneurial and that they are very likely to be members of organisations that are collectively entrepreneurial. Given the symposiums future aim to develop as a rural tourism research network, this paper sets out an agenda for future research on entrepreneurship in rural tourism.

World Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development, 2015

Purpose – Rural entrepreneurship development and employment generation are fundamental to enhancing local-level progress and transformation. Achieving gainful employment in rural communities contributes immensely to the realisation of the potential of people living in remote communities. The purpose of this paper is to present a ten-stage practical approach for enhancing rural entrepreneurship development as a major driver of local community transformation and development. Design/methodology/approach – The action research was preceded by a preliminary study, which identified some crucial factors associated with the success of rural entrepreneurial activities in rural Lagos, Nigeria. The research, which is an offshoot of the earlier field survey, was designed to engage viable community-based organisations (CBOs) in Ikorodu, Epe, Badagry and Lekki communities for the implementation of context-specific rural entrepreneurship development projects through the provision of “non-serviceabl...

Traditionally, rural areas have been defined by association with particular resource based economic activities, notably agriculture and forestry, and open space such as moorlands and mountains. Alternatively, rural areas can be defined in terms of a number of sociospatial characteristics, such as population densities and distance from major cities. More recent approaches define “rural” more in terms of a social representation of reality, placing the emphasis upon the way people strive after a rural ideal and try to achieve this in their everyday lives (Hoggart et al., 1995). This approach is becoming more important as the traditional production functions of rural areas (i.e. agriculture and forestry) decline in importance and various consumption functions (e.g. recreation and leisure) become more significant, particularly in certain countries (Ilbery, 1998). In the past, the distinction between urban and rural areas was sufficiently unambiguous for one or two familiar attributes to provide a basis for consistent definitions. Modern societies are simply too varied for such regularities to hold. Thus, it may be more appropriate to suggest that there are a series of distinctions such as land use, population characteristics and social organization. However rural space is no longer confined to agricultural activities and land uses, but is extended to include multi-sectoral activities. Small and medium towns integrated into their rural hinterland are fit for inclusion in rural areas.

International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behaviour & Research, 2004

The present work provides an integrated view of rural entrepreneurship and sets the agenda for future research in the area. Rurality defines a territorially specific entrepreneurial milieu with distinct physical, social and economic characteristics. Location, natural resources and the landscape, social capital, rural governance, business and social networks, as well as information and communication technologies, exert dynamic and complex influences on entrepreneurial activity in rural areas. Rurality is viewed as a dynamic entrepreneurial resource that shapes both opportunities and constraints. Rural entrepreneurship is depicted as a three-stage sequential process highly influenced by specific territorial characteristics. The proposed research agenda addresses issues related to theoretical studies concerning entrepreneurial processes in rural areas and more applied issues concerning the formulation of integrated and competent policies supporting entrepreneurship in such areas.

IIM Bangalore

Tourism play a very vital role in the economic, social and cultural development of any region and it has a multiplying effect on the people of residing areas in terms of employment generation, wealth creation and socio-environmental awareness. Tourism provides opportunity to grow as micro and macro entrepreneurs of the region as well as world. The impact of tourism is transparent as it is mass activities and its impact can be seen easily at any destination or even through travelling. The carrying capacity, sustainable development and green technology are now the part of modern tourism infrastructure and super structure development which provides ample scope and opportunity to the local people to become an entrepreneur and enthusiasm to the government, NGO (Non Governmental Organisation) as well as private company to start new venture with local residents as a part of their CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility). The impact of tourism on rural area and particularly on woman in India can’t be ignored and neglected. The best example of woman entrepreneur development and evolvement of other micro entrepreneurs is the state of Gujarat (India) where in the small village of “Kutchh” all the village persons have involved themselves in the business of tourism and created a role model for policy makers and practitioners. It has given a tremendous effect on the life style and has become a part of their livings. Tourism and Tourist both of them have influenced and motivated the rural people to become as micro entrepreneurs through the promotion of their Art & Craft, cuisines, fairs, festivals, and green organic farms. The village adoption programme of Department of Tourism (under Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India) and concerned State Tourism Development Corporation for the promotion of rural tourism is a very good step that should be appreciated in the direction of micro entrepreneurs developments and new venture creation opportunities in rural areas. The village adoption model should be appreciated as it generates an essence of becoming entrepreneurs of own crafted thing and utilizing own skills and knowledge as motivational factors for creation of wealth and prosperity for own. And at the same time involves other local people in either suppliers of necessary and essential raw materials or even provides opportunities to work as a worker as well as joint partner. Village is a unit of National integration and world formation in which we grow and survive. Therefore special attention should be given to the rural economic development and new venture creation as it is foundation of existence of any human beings of this fast moving world. It also provides basic needs for livelihood like food in direct way and materials for cloths and shelters in indirect form. The main objective behind this paper is to make aware regarding the long lasting impact of tourism activities on the rural economic development and to integrate it with new venture creation opportunities so that issues and problems related to the local communities could be solve and producer (farmers who feed us indirectly) could also become an entrepreneur. There is an urgent need of sound framework and executable policies. Taking help of NGOs and local people besides technical experts and forming a Steering Committee for Micro Entrepreneurs Developments (SCMED) would be the perhaps the best way to monitor and co-operate in this regard. Tourism is a combination of diversified activities and every aspect of this can be developed a business model. The nature of product of tourism is basically intangible that’s why creator of product can grow himself/herself as micro entrepreneur of his/her tourism business. For example, Dancers, Musicians, Folklorists, Handicrafts’ man, Farmers of Organic Farms, Traditional Cooks of local cuisines, all of these are respectively creators of their products in tourism and when they are selling it then they become micro entrepreneur of their own self-created product based business. The most important thing is that they need some help for the promotional activities to attract prospective (tourists/guests) consumers and here comes the role of venture and CSR. Key words: Economy, Leakage, Linkage, Tourism, Micro Entrepreneurs, Rural, Venture

2017

England's rural firms are significantly more likely to be profitable, but have lower annual £turnover, than businesses in urban areas outside of London. This finding emerges from our rural-urban analysis of 13,403 small firms in England, including 3,555 rural firms, interviewed for the UK Small Business Survey in 2015. It cannot be explained or attributed to oft-rehearsed differences between rural and urban economies, as the analysis controlled for differences in sectors, size, age and other business characteristics of rural and urban areas. Although rural and urban firms share many plans and expectations for future growth, rural firms were significantly stronger exporters of goods and services, were more likely to have introduced new or improved goods in their businesses, and were more able to secure external funds, especially for capital investments in machinery and buildings, than were businesses in urban England. Nevertheless, there is also clear evidence of Untapped rural potential (for example, more rural firms have goods or services suitable for exporting than which currently export), Weaknesses (for example, rural firms are less likely to expect to grow their workforce) and Obstacles to business success, particularly Regulations or red tape, Staff recruitment and skills, and Taxes, rates and NI. that concern significantly more rural than urban firms. The analysis also maps marked variations in these and other outcomes, activities and plans across England and its regions. So, to achieve spatially-balanced and inclusive economic growth, we would encourage central and local government agencies, Local Enterprise Partnerships and business support and representative organisations to examine this evidence, embed rural business' strengths and aspirations, and address weaknesses, in economic strategies, plans and support mechanisms. Region Local Enterprise Partnership* Number of Enterprises** Urban Rural

Paper on entrepreneurialism in agro-tourism and artisanial sector. Contribution to Erasmus+ project "Artisan"

2009

SN Applied Sciences

This paper is based on qualitative analysis and addresses the important topic of small business entrepreneurialism in rural areas and its special conditions and needs. Our aim is to present examples of and suggestions for how to encourage firm start-ups and the continuation possibly also the development and growth of existing firms. The paper is based on three cases that illustrate (1) challenges in the support system in rural areas, (2) various forms of support that could be used in rural areas, and (3) expectations that are eligible to put upon support activities designed for rural areas. The main findings are that (1) that successful support of rural businesses requires a critical mass of regional entrepreneurs, firms, and support actors, (2) diversity is critical, and the various actors must be coordinated to carry out the desired measures effectively, (3) expectations for growth and orientation of the firms must be realistic because broad support is more important than targeted...

Journal of Sustainable Tourism and Entrepreneurship, 2024

This study investigates the role of social entrepreneurship and business innovation in empowering local communities for rural tourism development within the framework of sustainable development goals (SDGs). Research methodology: A comprehensive review of the existing literature on social entrepreneurship, business innovation, and rural tourism development is conducted. The study also involved qualitative interviews with key stakeholders and community members in the selected villages, followed by thematic analysis of the data. The findings reveal that Social entrepreneurship plays a crucial role in fostering community engagement, promoting social inclusivity, and creating sustainable tourism initiatives. On the other hand, business innovation enables local communities to differentiate themselves, enhance visitor experiences, and improve the overall competitiveness of rural tourism destinations. Limitations: This study acknowledges certain limitations, including the selection of a limited number of case study villages and potential bias in qualitative interviews. Further research is needed to explore the generalizability of the findings across different contexts. Contribution: This study contributes to the understanding of the synergistic relationship among social entrepreneurship, business innovation, and rural tourism development. These findings provide insights for policymakers, community leaders, and practitioners in designing effective strategies to empower local communities and promote sustainable tourism within the SDGs Desa framework. Novelty: The novelty of this study lies in its comprehensive examination of the combined influence of social entrepreneurship and business innovation on rural tourism development in the context of sustainable development goals (SDGs Desa). This highlights the potential of these concepts to drive positive change and create inclusive and resilient rural tourism destinations.