The liability of rurality and new venture viability

Abstract

Highlights • This paper develops the «liability of rurality» as a new concept. • I integrate the liability of rurality with the liabilities of newness and smallness. • Propositions are developed that may help guide new research on spatial/rural entrepreneurship. • Liability of rurality is a relevant concept for policymakers, seeking to justify policies for rural development. This paper integrates imprinting theory and insights from rural/spatial entrepreneurship research to develop the concept “liability of rurality”. In the paper I argue why increasing rurality of geographical space should be considered a penalty for entrepreneurs. Further, I propose how rurality – as a liability - may influence the emergence, survival and growth prospects of new ventures. This includes a theoretical integration between the liability of rurality and the universal liabilities of newness and smallness. The paper ends with a research agenda discussing how the liability of rurality can add to and rejuvenate spatial and rural entrepreneurship research.