Author(s):
Mmadineo Seleke, Joshua Ebere Chukwuere

Doi: 10.7508/aiem.01.2023.37.47

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is transforming the way we live, work, and do business. Its technological advancements have brought about significant changes, which are disrupting industries and creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs. In this context, the potential of 4IR technologies to enhance entrepreneurship in rural communities has gained significant attention. This paper investigates the use of 4IR technologies in enhancing entrepreneurship in rural communities. The essay highlights the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data technologies, and many more in improving rural entrepreneurship. This paper deployed a quantitative method through a questionnaire strategy that allowed the researchers to analyze the participant’s responses and used a numerical method that simplified the presentation of results. The results of this research showed that respondents were less or not informed about 4IR technologies, how they could change their rural business operations as well as the anticipated benefits and challenges in adopting 4IR technologies in their businesses. However, for rural entrepreneurs to fully benefit from 4IR technologies, they need access to the necessary infrastructure, resources, and support. Policymakers and stakeholders should work together to ensure that rural entrepreneurs can access the benefits of 4IR technologies.

KEYWORDS:
Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, Entrepreneurship, Rural Communities, Fourth Industrial Revolution, 4IR, Rural Communities