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Barriers To Youth Entrepreneurship In Rural Areas: A Systematic Literature Review

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  • Alexandra NOVAC

    (National Institute for Economic Research, Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova)

Abstract

Rural youth entrepreneurship supports economic development and limits migration, but significant barriers remain.To identify and analyze these barriers, we performed a Systematic Literature Review of peer-reviewed articles from the Web of Science Core Collection database, published between 2014 and 2025 (final sample - 57 articles). The bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer, including co-occurrence, co-authorship, citation analysis, was complemented by a qualitative content analysis to synthesize the identified barriers. The study reveals that research on this topic is geographically concentrated, with a notable focus on African contexts. The bibliometric analysis reveals a fragmented research network with limited worldwide collaboration. We identified six main rural youth entrepreneurship barriers: financial (lack of start-up capital, low income), infrastructural (inadequate roads, limited digital connectivity), educational (skills mismatch, limited entrepreneurship education), social/cultural (traditional gender roles, risk aversion), institutional (lack of government support, bureaucratic hurdles, corruption), and market-related (limited access, marketing challenges). The study points out that the barriers are extremely interdependent and therefore require a multi-dimensional, holistic intervention approach and not isolated solutions. The review also highlights key research gaps, particularly the need for more comparative, region-specific studies and a more integrated approach to gender.

Suggested Citation

  • Alexandra NOVAC, 2026. "Barriers To Youth Entrepreneurship In Rural Areas: A Systematic Literature Review," Studies in Business and Economics, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, Faculty of Economic Sciences, vol. 21(1), pages 133-155, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:blg:journl:v:21:y:2026:i:1:p:133-155
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Zoltan Acs, 2008. "How is Entrepreneurship Good for Economic Growth?," Chapters, in: Entrepreneurship, Growth and Public Policy, chapter 21, pages 291-301, Edward Elgar Publishing.
    2. Claudia Alvarez & Tatiana Lopez & David Urbano, 2025. "Do institutional dimensions matter at different stages of the entrepreneurial process? A multi-country study," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 64(2), pages 353-381, February.
    3. David B. Audretsch & Maksim Belitski & Farzana Chowdhury & Sameeksha Desai, 2022. "Necessity or opportunity? Government size, tax policy, corruption, and implications for entrepreneurship," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 58(4), pages 2025-2042, April.
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