Rural community business models : Asian and UK comparisons

This is exploratory longitudinal comparative research on rural Community Businesses (CBs) that was initiated in 2010 as part of the Wakayama University - Faculty of Tourism establishment activities. The research data were collected through over 150 qualitative field interviews with networks and related persons in Japan’s Kamiakizu, South Korea’s Wanju, and the UK’s Business in the Community (BITC) to review the established CBs’ endeavors and experiences. This research identifies CBs as fundamentally different from the Social and Commercial Enterprises. Further, the study generally confirms what Porter (1995) and Wheeler et al. (2005) propose as two key conditions for successful CBs. Namely, that there is a strategic need for sustainable profitability and strong locally focused networks. Comparative case study examples highlight how CBs that employ these conditions create jobs, foster local social network cohesion, and promote CBs’ growth. The findings indicate that CBs are a viable model for rural regeneration when the two conditions are met. These results are helpful to both policymakers and researchers.