INTERNET AS AN INSTRUMENT SUPPORTING RURAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT – THEORY AND PRACTICE

Abstract

Nowadays the Internet is commonly used in public institutions activity as well by citizens and small entrepreneurs. In rural areas such changes have occurred much more slower than at urban territories. The reason only partly depends on the lack and underdevelopment of rural infrastructure, in particular broadband Internet access in rural areas. The research results reveal that the main barrier is insufficient knowledge within the entrepreneurs and consumers on needs and potential benefits connected with everyday use of computers and the Internet. In summer 2009, 214 small-sized entrepreneurs in the Mazovia region were surveyed. The sample was selected with advice of experts, workers of Agricultural Advisory Offices (ODR). There were mainly small firms located in rural areas, different in a size (a number of employees and annual turnover) and a kind of activity.