STEINEROWSKA-STREB, Izabella, Jindra PETERKOVÁ and Artur STEINER. Innovation and rural context: An exploratory case study of a small rural enterprise from the Czech Republic. The International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation. 2024, (0), p. 1-12. ISSN 1465-7503. Available from: https://dx.doi.org/10.1177/14657503241241415.
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Basic information
Original name Innovation and rural context: An exploratory case study of a small rural enterprise from the Czech Republic
Authors STEINEROWSKA-STREB, Izabella, Jindra PETERKOVÁ and Artur STEINER.
Edition The International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, 2024, 1465-7503.
Other information
Original language English
Type of outcome Article in a journal
Country of publisher United States of America
Confidentiality degree is not subject to a state or trade secret
WWW URL
Organization unit Moravian Business College Olomouc
Doi http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/14657503241241415
UT WoS 001191856800001
Keywords in English innovation; rural enterprise; Czech Republic; pull and push factors; product innovation; business innovation processes
Changed by Changed by: Ing. Michaela Nováková, učo 5293. Changed: 16/5/2024 10:28.
Abstract
This study identifies i) factors that encourage small rural enterprises to innovate and ii) obstacles to introducing innovation. Using a case study of a rural business in the Czech Republic, the paper reveals that although rural businesses may experience innovation barriers, such as inadequate human resources and volatile market conditions, they can innovate, respond quickly and effectively to emerging market circumstances and turn threats into opportunities for growth. Importantly, many of the challenges and opportunities for innovation interplay with each other, with some obstacles becoming a foundation of creative and innovative solutions that help to develop a sustainable, modern and efficient enterprise. We highlight that the innovation of rural enterprises can be an outcome of pull and push factors that influence both product innovation and business innovation processes. Pull factors represent incentives and opportunities to stimulate rural innovation. Push factors, on the other hand, necessitate change and create pressures that must be addressed to ensure business longevity. The paper also shows that successful innovation is not free from agency, with the strategic vision and innovation outlook of business owners being a significant driver of innovation practices. Finally, our study shows that the innovation of rural enterprises depends on local, regional, national and international connections, and goes beyond rural areas, with a ‘think local and act global’ approach helping to harness opportunities in wider markets.
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