Strengthening Rural Food SME Competitiveness through Digitalization and Village Cooperatives
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The competitiveness of rural food micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) is constrained by limited market access, uneven digital literacy, and weak institutional support. This study aims to analyze these conditions and develop an integrative strategy for strengthening food MSME competitiveness through digitalization and the Merah Putih Village Cooperative (KDMP) in support of local economic development. A qualitative case study was conducted in Sekarpuro Village, Pakis District, Malang Regency. Data were collected through observations, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis involving KDMP management, food MSMEs, village government, and subdistrict authorities. Data were analyzed using the interactive model of Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña, thematic analysis, and SWOT analysis. The findings show that KDMP functions as a coordination hub for MSME empowerment and digitalization, while its emerging digital information system supports institutional transparency and coordination. The study develops an Integrative Model for Strengthening Food MSME Competitiveness based on five stages: input, process, output, outcome, and impact. Conceptually, the model integrates the Resource-Based View (RBV), Dynamic Capabilities Theory, and Institutional Theory to explain how strategic resources, adaptive capabilities, and institutional coordination jointly strengthen competitiveness. The findings provide practical guidance for sustainable rural MSME empowerment and local economic development.
Institutions: Cipta Wacana University, Universitas Merdeka Malang
Language: English
Subfield: Business and International Management
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7204271301