SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT THROUGH AGRICULTURE ENTREPRENEURSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: INTRODUCING INTERNET CONSULTING FOR MARKET PLACES

摘要

Innovation through Internet applications can be a main implement for projects and initiatives for sustainability in rural areas especially in the context of the economic recession. Concerning agriculture, it is compulsory to have both expansion and innovation in market places through the introduction of innovative actions, such as consulting and promotion in Greek rural entrepreneur-ships. New goods and services are required in business models as well as in technology in rural areas aiming to green development challenge. Today, during the 4th European Community support framework, there are initiatives for funding market places and entrepreneurship. Presently, there are bureaus offering consulting services to the Greek farmers and breeders. However, the question still arises: to what extent are the Greek agricultural entrepreneurships ready to accept innovation and funding via European programmes, or issues of vital importance for them, such as the reliable information, the introduction of technology, the use of the Internet for marketing and promotion? It is also studied how willing they are, and up to what rate, to cooperate with experts of the private sector of consulting services in order to support innovative exploitation and entrepreneurship.