Young People as Agents of Digital Innovation in Family-Owned Agricultural Small Businesses: Implications for Economic Sustainability

Abstract

Family-owned agricultural small businesses have a vital role in rural economies by providing employment, ensuring food security, and promoting community stability. However, these enterprises frequently face significant challenges, including limited resources, restricted market access, and concerns regarding long-term financial sustainability. In this context, innovation, specifically digital innovation, emerges as a pivotal mechanism for enhancing economic resilience within small-scale agricultural family enterprises. This study investigates the role of youth, particularly students enrolled in entrepreneurial education programs within an agricultural technological high school, as catalysts of digital innovation in family-owned agricultural micro and small enterprises. It also focuses on low-cost and accessible digital solutions, including social media marketing, online sales channels, and basic digital management tools, which are particularly suited for small agricultural businesses with limited financial resources. Employing a quantitative, cross-sectional pilot design, data were gathered through a structured, self-administered questionnaire from nine adult students (N=9, aged 18 and above) enrolled in entrepreneurial education classes at a dually funded (Ministry of Education and Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development) technological agricultural high school in a rural area of Ilfov County, Romania, who are actively involved in their family-owned agricultural businesses. The analysis explores the degree of youth engagement in digital innovation activities and examines the perceived impact of these innovations on financial sustainability, market visibility, cost-effectiveness, and overall business resilience. Given the small pilot sample, findings are preliminary and exploratory rather than confirmatory. Results suggest that young people may have an important influence in initiating and implementing digital innovations within their families' businesses, serving as a potential link between conventional agricultural practices and contemporary market requirements. Furthermore, this research points to a possible role of agricultural education in developing innovation capabilities that could promote sustainable business models in rural contexts. By focusing on the intersection of innovation, education, and economic sustainability, the study aims to provide preliminary insights and a validated instrument for a larger-scale investigation into the long-term viability of family-owned agricultural enterprises.

Keywords: family businesses, digital innovation, youth, economic sustainability, agricultural education, rural development