Rural entrepreneurship and sustainable economic development in Serbia

Abstract

Rural development is linked to entrepreneurship to a greater extent than ever before. Institutions and individuals promoting rural development now see entrepreneurship as a strategic development intervention that could accelerate the rural development process. Rural entrepreneurship has an enormous employment potential. Women see it as an employment opportunity near their homes which provides independence and reduces the need for social support. Farmers see it as an instrument for improving farm earnings and achieving a better standard of living. However, the acceptance of entrepreneurship as a central development force by itself will not result in rural development and the advancement of rural enterprises. What is also needed is an environment in rural areas conducive to entrepreneurship. The author points out that the creation of such an environment starts already at the national level with the foundation of policies for macro-economic stability. In addition, she discusses what local communities can do to foster rural entrepreneurship in general.