Findings from the FLIARA project were recently presented at the prestigious 10th Annual Entrepreneurship as Practice Conference held at Jönköping International Business School. The presentation, delivered by project researchers Annie Roos (Linnaeus University) and Helene Ahl (Jönköping University), focused on critical mismatches within the Swedish rural business support system as it pertains to women entrepreneurs.
The paper, titled “Mismatches in the Swedish rural business support system“, explored how the current landscape of support mechanisms in Sweden interacts with the entrepreneurial practices of women innovators in rural areas. The research addressed the impact of the national shift towards gender mainstreaming in policy post-2015, which aimed to provide equal support access for all entrepreneurs.
Preliminary interview data from 20 women innovators in rural Sweden, gathered as part of the FLIARA project, indicate a potential disconnect between the design of existing support systems and the realities of these businesses. Many women entrepreneurs interviewed prioritise sustainable growth and manageable scale or operate within the social, cultural, or non-profit sectors, areas often not the primary focus of national support initiatives geared towards high-growth potential in traditional industries.
Roos and Ahl highlighted the complex web of support actors and the often-specific criteria associated with accessing resources from entities such as the Swedish Board of Agriculture, Vinnova, Almi, Jobs and Society, LEADER, AKIS, and Coompanion. The research suggests that the current system may inadvertently overlook the needs of businesses driving rural viability through diverse models beyond conventional high-growth trajectories.
The presentation also touched upon instances where women entrepreneurs have demonstrated ingenuity in navigating the system to access necessary support, sometimes by adapting their activities to fit eligibility criteria. This underscores how the structure of the support system can influence and shape entrepreneurial practices.
The FLIARA researchers concluded by emphasising the need for a more integrated and cross-sectoral approach to rural business support, one that acknowledges and caters to the diverse needs and goals of women entrepreneurs who are crucial for the economic and social fabric of rural communities.
This presentation at the Entrepreneurship as Practice Conference contributes valuable insights to the ongoing work of the FLIARA project, which aims to foster a deeper understanding of female-led innovation in agricultural and rural contexts across ten European countries. Further findings from the project will continue to inform discussions on how to better support these vital entrepreneurs.