The Use of Modern Technology for Rural Industrialization and Its Implications on the Rural SMEs Economic Growth

Abstract

Hence technology delivery is perceived to be an essential catalyst for rural development. This paper intends to present an empirical study on the use of modern technology for rural industrialization and its theoretical and practical implication on the rural SMEs economic growth. The idea of rural industrialization and how it can enhance the rural SMEs economic growth still the issue of concern of many policy-makers. The study seeks to establish understanding, knowledge and awareness about how the use of modern technology would assist in building strong rural industrialization that will have a positive change in the rural SMEs economy. In this research 127 participants consist with business managers/owners running SMEs in the province of KwaZulu-Natal were chosen for empirical data collection from both South and Northern parts of the Province. SPSS (24.0) version was used for the analysis of data. A quantitative questionnaire was used and distributed to the respondents. The findings revealed that in many cases there is no specific rural industrialization policy does not exist or somehow fall short, government attitudes towards rural industrialization as well as rural infrastructure development were also identified by respondents as areas of concern for rural industrialization. The exploratory and quantitative nature limited the survey. Hence, the application of this result should be made with utmost care. Further investigation which may include large and other parts of the country is therefore recommended.

Cultural Transformation in the Development of Home Industries in Karanganyar Regency, Central Java, Indonesia

“…The positive impact of this change is that it has improved the economy of these communities, created jobs, empowered human resources, and led to modernization [5]. Industrialization helps with economic growth and the development of various economic activities such as trade, agriculture, transportation, and entrepreneurship, thus supporting the growth and development of the national economy [6], [7], but since the 1990s, the social stratification that has taken place has focused on social and cultural factors as the cause of inequality [8].…”