A1 Journal article (refereed)
Digital innovations in rural micro-enterprises (2020)
Räisänen, J., & Tuovinen, T. (2020). Digital innovations in rural micro-enterprises. Journal of Rural Studies, 73, 56-67. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrurstud.2019.09.010
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Räisänen, Jaana; Tuovinen, Tero
Journal or series: Journal of Rural Studies
ISSN: 0743-0167
eISSN: 1873-1392
Publication year: 2020
Volume: 73
Pages range: 56-67
Publisher: Elsevier
Publication country: United Kingdom
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrurstud.2019.09.010
Publication open access: Not open
Publication channel open access:
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/66759
Abstract
Digitalization gives micro-enterprises and rural areas new possibilities and it can support their competitiveness. In this paper, we have presented one way of supporting the diffusion and adoption of digital innovations in rural micro-enterprises. First, we examined the challenges and digital competence of the micro-enterprises in the rural areas of Central Finland to better understand what they needed. The second step was to develop a workshop concept. Theories of innovation diffusion and adoption were used as a base for these workshops. The last step was to evaluate the developed concept, its effects and challenges. We found that the workshop concept worked well for spreading information, for encouraging a positive attitude towards digital innovations, and for planning the use of innovations. Important factors in order for this concept to work were trust, communication, and changing the roles of agents and opinion leaders.
Keywords: towns and cities; countryside; innovations; digitalisation; adoption (cognition)
Free keywords: urban-rural digital divide; digitalization; digital innovations; innovation diffusion; innovation adoption
Contributing organizations
Ministry reporting: Yes
Reporting Year: 2020
JUFO rating: 2