Leader Approach and Rural Entrepreneurship for Resilient Rural Areas: Perceptions by the Local Action Groups' Managers in Serbia

Abstract

This chapter in its first part analyzes the Leader approach in terms of concept, constituent elements, application, and its contribution to rural development and rural entrepreneurship. In the continuation of the text, authors analyze the application of this approach in Serbia, looking at the activities of the ministry in charge and the views of local action groups (LAGs)’ managers on this matter. The aim of this chapter is to present the results and problems Serbia has seen so far in the implementation of the Leader approach for development of rural areas on a local level. The results indicate that the lack of systemic and continuous state support resulting, among other things, in the lack of a financial portfolio for the LAGs, is the main cause of low local entrepreneurial initiatives and projects implemented within the Leader approach. Future steps in the implementation of this approach in Serbia will depend on financial support for the LAGs from all levels of government, as well as from the possibility of using funds within the EU pre-accession assistance for rural development. Also, it will be necessary to launch larger innovative and entrepreneurial initiatives both by LAGs’ managers and all stakeholders involved in local rural development.

Citation

Paraušić, V. and Kljajić, N. (2024), "Leader Approach and Rural Entrepreneurship for Resilient Rural Areas: Perceptions by the Local Action Groups' Managers in Serbia", Andrei, J.V. and Grigorescu, A. (Ed.) Emerging Patterns and Behaviors in a Green Resilient Economy (Lab for Entrepreneurship and Development), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 233-254. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-83549-780-720241012