Landscape and opportunity of rural entrepreneurship: systematic literature review

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the landscape and opportunities for rural entrepreneurship articles over time, examine the differences in the definition of rural entrepreneurship across existing studies, and analyze how research into rural entrepreneurship has addressed the antecedents and consequences of rural entrepreneurship. A systematic literature review approach was employed to analyze 94 documents published from 2002 to 2024 sourced from 63 outlets. The qualitative research approach allows for a comprehensive investigation into challenges and opportunities for rural entrepreneurship. The study found a steady expansion in academic interest and activity in rural entrepreneurship, with recent years witnessing a notable surge in research output. The analysis of trend topics identified recurring themes and emerging areas of interest, providing insights for future research directions and policy considerations. Additionally, the study highlights the multidimensional nature of rural entrepreneurship, which is shaped by factors such as geographic location, sociocultural dynamics, and sectoral focus. Despite variations in definitions, common themes emerge, emphasizing resource access, spatial and social embeddedness, and the role of local context. Moreover, the analysis found a structured framework encompassing factors influencing rural entrepreneurial endeavors, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of rural entrepreneurship and informing evidence-based strategies and policies. This study contributes to the existing literature by comprehensively analyzing rural entrepreneurship articles, addressing the research gaps, and identifying key themes and areas for future exploration.

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