A MULTIDIMENSIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR UNDERSTANDING INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT IN RURAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Mirjana Milovanović; Svetlana Dušanić Gačić; Dunja Demirović Bajrami; Tamara Gajić

doi:10.59267/ekoPolj2602361M

Authors

Mirjana Milovanović Banja Luka College, Miloša Obilića 30, Banja Luka, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3746-5517
Svetlana Dušanić Gačić Banja Luka College, Miloša Obilića 30, Banja Luka, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6173-7442
Dunja Demirović Bajrami Senior Research Associate, Geographical Institute “Jovan Cvijić” Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Djure Jakšića 9, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5140-1515
Tamara Gajić Senior Research Associate, Geographical Institute “Jovan Cvijić” Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Djure Jakšića 9, 11000 Belgrade, and University Business Academy in Novi Sad, Faculty of Organizational Studies “Eduka”, Majke Jevrosime 15, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3016-8368

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59267/ekoPolj2602361M

Keywords:

rural entrepreneurship, institutional support, virtual training, human capital, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract

This study investigates institutional perspectives on ruralentrepreneurship in Bosnia and Herzegovina, addressinga significant gap in research on meso-level actors in postsocialist contexts. Using a structured survey of 43 institutionalrepresentatives, including ministries, municipalities,educational institutions, and development agencies, the studyidentifies key enablers and barriers to rural entrepreneurship.Descriptive and multivariate statistical analyses (factorand cluster analysis) reveal heterogeneous institutionalpriorities, highlighting human capital, infrastructure, andproduct quality as critical drivers. Virtual training is seen asa viable tool for capacity building, especially in sustainableagriculture, tourism, and infrastructure. Results suggestthat institutions differ in strategic orientation, ranging fromholistic to pragmatic mindsets. These findings advanceunderstanding of institutional logic in rural entrepreneurshipand inform targeted policy design, digital trainingdevelopment, and ecosystem-level interventions alignedwith community needs.

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