An evaluative economic development typology for sustainable rural economic development

Abstract

This research develops a management typology that focuses on the importance of project typology and selection as part of sustainable rural economic development. The typology includes quality of life elements, the overall community resource base, and the capacity to generate projects. It considers various implications on the social, economic, and environmental factors at a very early stage in the project life cycle. The typology also develops selection criteria for rural economic projects that include a strong risk assessment phase. Data collected from two rural economic projects are used to examine strategic planning and project selection processes. Results may be used to develop effective strategies to stimulate rural economies.