THE ROLE OF INNOVATIVE ENTREPRENEURS IN RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

One of the determining factors of the countryside’s competitiveness are innovative ventures. Through their development programmes they generate the use of the countryside’s resources and reprogram knowledge bases that by building on countryside traditions open new development spaces. The innovator is a key factor in this process. The innovator is capable of realising the need for change, is capable of renewal and holds the competencies that determine the success of his enterprise and thereby the competitiveness of his environment and that of the countryside.