Sustaining rural and social development for entrepreneurship

Structured Abstract Purpose – The study aims at explaining that sustaining rural development helps to support entrepreneurship combining social and economic business leading to design hybrid organizations. Rural resources as entrepreneurial milieu shape the entrepreneurial process. European rural development policies support the economic growth of rural areas driving new business opportunities for rural entrepreneurs creating social and economic value. Design/methodology/approach – Social entrepreneurs address new social needs in entrepreneurial ways showing a high social responsible orientation by aligning the activities that generate profit, environmental and social benefits building hybrid organizations focusing on social value creation within or outside the organization’s boundaries. The study relies on archival and qualitative data drawn by review of literature on social entrepreneurship and hybrids organizations, on the role of rural development by describing the European framework and policies promoting the sustainable development of rural areas and communities. Originality/value – Rural development policies help to revitalize rural economies and communities. Rurality as dynamic concept and synonym of diversity, history, landscape, heritage, traditions and values related to renewal of agriculture within post-industrial society where rural entrepreneurs emerge as partners for driving local economic development by promoting wealth, environmental and social benefits. Practical implications – European rural development policies lead farmers and rural entrepreneurs to combine social, economic and rural perspectives developing entrepreneurial ventures and hybrids organizations actively providin