The McQuinn Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership, in partnership with its collaborators, supports innovative research to advance entrepreneurship in agriculture, education, rural economic development and beyond. Here are samples of research publications that reflect the McQuinn Center’s commitment to advancing entrepreneurial knowledge, supporting educators, practitioners, and fostering innovation to address pressing societal and agricultural challenges.

“Entrepreneurial Competencies in High School Agricultural Education: Assessing Educator Perceptions, Gender Differences, and Professional Development Needs”

This study explores the role of school-based agricultural educators in developing students’ entrepreneurial and employability skills. Despite limited formal preparation in entrepreneurship, Missouri agricultural educators demonstrated strong entrepreneurial competencies, particularly in independence, leadership, opportunity assessment, and resilience. The research underscores the need for enhanced entrepreneurship training in educator preparation programs and professional development, focusing on social networking skills to boost educators, social capital and career growth.

“Navigating Organic Farming Challenges with Farmer-Led Entrepreneurial Innovations in the U.S. Mid-South”

Organic farmers in the Mid-South face unique challenges due to restrictions on synthetic inputs and region-specific factors. This study highlights the entrepreneurial innovations of certified organic farmers in tackling these challenges, such as diversifying products, improving processes, and creating new marketing strategies. The findings suggest that fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems, including supportive policies and community networks, can bolster organic farming success and sustainability.