Empowering rural micro-entrepreneurs through technoficing: a process model for mobilizing and developing indigenous knowledge

The micro-entrepreneurship sector, as the second-largest employment generator in rural areas, plays a crucial role in alleviating poverty. This study explores how social enterprises can assist rural micro-entrepreneurs in mobilizing and leveraging indigenous knowledge to align production with demand. We propose technoficing as a strategic approach to rural micro-entrepreneurship. We conducted a case study of CommunityLink, a social enterprise implementing ICT-enabled practices to facilitate the growth of rural micro-entrepreneurship in India. Our findings reveal knowledge disconnections impeding the development of rural micro-entrepreneurship. Importantly, we propose a four-phase approach of technoficing – basic, internal, external, and offline-online – that can effectively mobilize and leverage indigenous knowledge for rural micro-entrepreneurs with minimal resource investment. We synthesize our findings into a comprehensive process model. Our research contributes to the discourse on ICT for development and the emerging academic dialogue on decoloniality by highlighting the significance of empowering local institutions and practices through the strategic use of off-the-shelf technologies. Practitioners and policymakers can leverage our findings to propel indigenous efforts toward rural development and improve rural livelihoods.