This study examines the role of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and collaborative engagement on the performance of rural economic development organizations. The authors theorize that an organization’s EO and collaborative engagement, determined by levels of active engagement within a regional collaboration network, impact its ability to accomplish its goals, satisfy its stakeholders, and influence regional economic development. The authors’ analysis of data from 98 collaborating economic development organizations operating in the economically distressed region of eastern Kentucky shows that EO and collaborative engagement are positively associated with performance. This study provides actionable insights for leaders of economic development organizations seeking to improve their operations.

这项研究探讨了创业导向和合作参与对农村经济发展组织绩效的作用。作者认为，组织的EO和协作参与取决于区域协作网络内的积极参与程度，从而影响其实现目标，满足利益相关者的能力并影响区域经济发展。作者对在肯塔基州东部经济困难地区运作的98个合作经济发展组织的数据进行的分析表明，EO和合作参与与绩效成正相关。这项研究为寻求改善其运营的经济发展组织的领导人提供了可行的见解。