Modelling a technology push by using hybrid franchising

Abstract

Introducing a technology push to stimulate entrepreneurship in remote areas in developing countries can be examined in the context of a franchising model (social or commercial franchising). The results of this study (fieldwork in Kalimantan, Indonesia) point to a high feasibility of introducing a technology push by a franchising model. The results indicate that the smallholder rubber farmers (community level) and the head of villages, head of district and the government departments (low, middle and high institutional level) support a technology push and are willing to participate. Furthermore almost all stakeholders prefer a franchising model to introduce a technology push with social franchising elements. Additionally, empirical evidence confirmed the main theoretical argument of this research: a technology push carried out by a franchising model can stimulate (social) entrepreneurship in remote villages. This study thus concluded that in order to stimulate (social) entrepreneurship in local communities and with that local economic development, a hybrid franchising (a combination of both commercial and social franchising) model should be used to carry a technology push.