Learning areas for the development of entrepreneurial competence in a local-rural context

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to generate knowledge about the way in which the reference culture of a local-rural territory influences the construction of a certain conception of entrepreneurship and entrepreneurs. Cultural values are deeply interrelated with economic activity, and vice versa. Its objectives are both to know which entrepreneurship conception is maintained, and which characteristics are assigned to entrepreneurs, and to determine the priority educational areas for the development of entrepreneurial competence. To do this, we analyze the discourse of 36 citizens of a municipality placed in the interior of Spain affected by the phenomenon of depopulation. As main results, we highlight how entrepreneurial competence is presented as a vital key competence for empowerment and social transformation where courage, culture of effort and optimism play a fundamental role. In addition, their inclusion in formal and non-formal areas from an early age is considered necessary, influencing professionalizing and linked to the endogenous resources of the territory learning, although the role of informal learning is pointed out as more relevant. We conclude by pointing out the need to manage and enhance informal learning processes.