Exploring the Factors Influencing Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Rural Life: A Qualitative Study
Subject Areas : Cultural
Raziyeh Khosravani
1
,
mansour vosooghi
2
,
Ali Baghaei Sarabi
3
,
Meysam Musai
4
1 - Ph.D student in Sociology of Economics and Development, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2 - Professor of Sociology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
3 - Assisstant Professor in Sociology Department of Sociology, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
4 - Professor of Social Planning and Development, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
Keywords: Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Rural areas.,
Abstract :
This study aimed to identify the factors influencing entrepreneurship and innovation in rural life. The research employed a qualitative methodology with a phenomenological approach. The target population included all rural innovators and entrepreneurs, and theoretical saturation was achieved after conducting in-depth interviews with 19 participants selected through purposive sampling. Data collection was carried out using semi-structured interviews, and the analysis was conducted based on Giorgio’s (2009) descriptive phenomenological method. The results revealed that the dynamic interplay of individual and psychological, social and cultural, policy-related, economic and financial, environmental, infrastructural and technological, as well as educational and promotional factors is key to the development of entrepreneurship and innovation in rural life. Within this framework, the success of rural entrepreneurs depends not only on personal traits such as creativity and motivation but also on local community acceptance, access to financial resources, appropriate technologies, practical training, and supportive government policies—all of which act as either facilitators or barriers. In other words, integrating the internal capacities of rural communities with external resources (such as infrastructure, markets, and legal incentives) can create a sustainable ecosystem for rural innovation and entrepreneurship. Conversely, the absence of any of these components can pose a significant obstacle to development. Based on the findings, it is recommended that integrated centers be established in rural areas through collaboration among government agencies, local institutions, and the private sector to holistically address all dimensions influencing entrepreneurship. These centers could provide combined services, including: technical and entrepreneurial skills training (educational factor),psychological counseling and social support,facilitating access to financial resources and technology,linking producers with markets and research centers.
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