Digital transformation in rural areas demands the presence of adaptive leadership, especially in encouraging sustainable economic practices such as the circular economy. This study aims to analyze the role of digital leadership of village heads in encouraging the adoption of circular economy principles among craft MSMEs in Bugel Village, Ciawi District, Tasikmalaya Regency. This study also examines how village digital infrastructure moderates this relationship. The method used is a qualitative case study with an exploratory approach. Data collection was carried out through in-depth interviews with village heads, MSME actors, and other village stakeholders, as well as direct observation of digitalization activities and waste management in the local craft sector. Data were analysed using thematic techniques and mapping of relationships between variables based on the Miles and Huberman interactive model. The results of the study show that the digital leadership of village heads plays an important role in creating a culture of innovation, opening access to digital market information, and encouraging collaboration across business actors. However, the adoption of a circular economy is significantly influenced by the availability and quality of digital infrastructure, including internet connectivity and digital-based service platforms. This study concludes that the synergy between digital leadership and adequate digital infrastructure is an important prerequisite for mainstreaming the circular economy in rural areas. The practical implications of this study are useful for village policy designers and technology-based MSME empowerment programs.
Kamil et al. (Thu,) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: