| Yhteenveto: | This research is part of an interdisciplinary research programme on the Vitality of Rural Areas implemented between 1986 and 1988 by five research institutes and universities. Six types of approach were selected to outline the scope of the research: (1) regional problems examined from the point of view of rural areas, (2) focus on entrepreneurship outside farming, (3) choices governed by regional development considerations, (4) empirical results based on the comparison of rural areas, (5) evaluation of the development opportunities of both existing and new companies, and (6) opportunities for new companies to set up in rural areas on the strength of the local wage-earning labour force alone. The aim is to examine the opportunities for developing businesses in rural areas by analysing factors relevant to companies and entrepreneurs operating in the region and those commencing activities there. Factors contributing to the development of business are concerned with the national economy, companies' operating environments, and the companies and entrepreneurs themselves. The role of the operational environment is approached from two points of view. The economic infrastructure which is examined on the basis of research into companies' location decisions, and the infrastructure of living and welfare is analysed on the basis of changes in attitudes and behaviour. The examination of the characteristics of entrepreneurs, those wishing to be entrepreneurs and the enterprises themselves is based on research into company success. Matters of importance connected with the establishment and development of companies are simplified to two factors: desires and prospects. The empirical results were obtained from interviews with persons living in rural areas and entrepreneurs there. On the basis of the results it is apparent that the positive developments cumulate. The rural areas located close to urban areas are in a better position than the others.
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