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 editorsRäisänen, Jaana; Tuovinen, Tero

Journal or seriesJournal of Rural Studies

ISSN0743-0167

eISSN1873-1392

Publication year2020

Volume73

Pages range56-67

PublisherElsevier

Publication countryUnited Kingdom

Publication languageEnglish

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrurstud.2019.09.010

Publication open accessNot 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.


Keywordstowns and citiescountrysideinnovationsdigitalisationadoption (cognition)

Free keywordsurban-rural digital divide; digitalization; digital innovations; innovation diffusion; innovation adoption


Contributing organizations


Ministry reportingYes

Reporting Year2020

JUFO rating2


Last updated on 2024-26-03 at 09:18