Anita Kulawiak

Abstract

Interest in rural entrepreneurship among researchers has been systematically growing in recent years, which allows for noticing specific research trends. However, a comprehensive methodological approach to this topic is lacking, especially in the context of new definitions of rural entrepreneurship. This article focuses on the results of a systematic analysis of the literature on rural entrepreneurship aimed at distinguishing emerging research trends. The authors base their conclusions on research of articles from the international databasesof Scopus and Web of Science journals. The paper also proposes an original model of rural entrepreneurship, based on the relationship between a rural entrepreneur and the place of activity, concerning new ways of defining this type of entrepreneurship. This model may help understand the mechanisms of rural entrepreneurshipand the factors determining its development and may constitute a conceptual framework for further empirical research. Moreover, the conclusions from the study have application values, as they can be helpful for decision-makers in formulating local policy assumptions and strategic development plans, especially forrural areas.

Keywords: rural entrepreneurship • rural entrepreneur, place, literature review, research in rural entrepreneurship, conceptual framework, model

Anita Kulawiak [anita.kulawiak@geo.uni.lodz.pl], Department of Regional and Social Geography University of Lodz Narutowicza 68, 90-136 Łódź: Poland
Tomasz Rachwał [tomasz.rachwal@uek.krakow.pl], Department of International Trade & Centre for Strategic and International Entrepreneurship Krakow University of Economics Rakowicka 27, 31-510 Kraków: Poland