A MULTIDIMENSIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR UNDERSTANDING INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT IN RURAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP

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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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