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ownership and ensures interventions align with local needs. The participatory techniques employed in this study, such as workshops and dialogues, reflect Mansuri and Rao’s (2021) recommendation for including local communities in policy formulation, enhancing legitimacy and impact.
The findings further identified entrepreneurship, particularly in agriculture and tourism, as a key driver of economic diversification. The establishment of incubators and accelerators to support local entrepreneurs aligns with Mack and Mayer’s (2016) argument that fostering local entrepreneurial ecosystems is critical to addressing economic disparities. In South Africa, Rogerson (2020) emphasises the importance of supporting small businesses and promoting value-added agricultural products to enhance rural incomes. This study’s focus on value-added agriculture and creative tourism approaches, such as homestays and cultural festivals, reflects recent shifts toward experiential and sustainable tourism models (Richards 2020).
The participants in the current study claimed that limited internet connectivity posed a significant barrier to innovation-driven LED in the Vhembe District. This finding reflects the broader digital divide issue, where rural areas lack the infrastructure needed for digital transformation (Tomer and Kane 2020). In South Africa, Conradie et al. (2021) argue that inadequate infrastructure hampers rural development, limiting access to markets, education, and healthcare. The study underscores the need for high-speed internet investment as a catalyst for digital transformation, a call echoed by Shahiduzzaman and Alam (2015) in their work on the importance of digital infrastructure in rural development. Another key finding was the need for robust capacity building and skill development to drive innovation-led LED. Multi-stakeholder workshops and co-designed training sessions effectively bridged the skills gap. Hamidi and Zandiatashbar (2018) underscore the importance of investing in human capital to sustain innovation ecosystems. In a South African context, Marais and Nel (2020) highlight that equipping local leaders with the necessary technical and managerial skills is crucial for successful LED implementation. The use of participatory action research in this study, ensuring training was contextually relevant, mirrors Reason and Bradbury’s (2015) principles of co-created knowledge.
The study further underscores the importance of align- ing vocational training with local industry needs to build human capital. Billett (2020) emphasises that education systems must be responsive to labour market demands in specific regions. Furthermore, the study highlights the need for community engagement to ensure that develop- ment initiatives reflect local aspirations. Similarly, Hassen-
forder et al. (2019) argue that participatory governance en- hances the legitimacy of development outcomes. In South Africa, Khayesi and George (2015) advocate for greater col- laboration between public and private sectors to maximise resource pooling and build sustainable local economies. Sustainability was a central theme, particularly in utilising local resources for agriculture, tourism, and renewable energy. Kabeyi (2019) asserts that prudent management of natural resources is crucial for long-term economic via- bility, especially in rural areas. This study emphasises eco- tourism’s potential to drive economic growth and environ- mental conservation, a finding supported by Powell and Ham (2020). Additionally, promoting renewable energy to reduce dependence on non-renewable sources is critical, as highlighted by Verma and Raghubanshi (2018). In South Africa, Banks and Schäffler (2021) emphasise that renew- able energy plays a key role in reducing rural poverty and enhancing economic resilience.
Resistance to change, characterised as a ‘conspiracy of silence’, was a notable challenge in implementing innovation-driven LED. This reluctance, often driven by fear of the unknown, aligns with Hassan and Lee’s (2015) findings that rural communities frequently resist new governance models. Ndlovu-Gatsheni (2015) further argues that socio-political legacies in South Africa contribute to scepticism about new development approaches. However, this study demonstrated that resilience mechanisms, such as engaging with criticism constructively, helped maintain momentum. This aligns with Chibba and Moyo’s (2021) observation that adaptability and persistence are essential to overcoming opposition in challenging environments.
Conclusions
The findings of this study highlight several key factors essential for innovation-driven LED in the Vhembe District. Central to these efforts is multi-stakeholder collaboration involving grassroots communities, local governments, the private sector, and academic institutions. This inclusive approach fosters diverse perspectives in decision-making, ensuring development initiatives reflect the needs and aspirations of local communities. Resistance to change, driven by fear and socio-political legacies were a significant challenge, but resilience mechanisms, such as trust-building and open communication, helped overcome opposition. Effective leadership and technological advancement, particularly improved internet connectivity, are essential to overcoming barriers to progress. Entrepreneurship in agriculture and tourism offers opportunities for economic diversification, while human capital development through education is critical for aligning skills with local industry needs. Sustainable management of local resources and strong governance, supported by pro-innovation policies and data-driven decision-making are vital for achieving long-term, inclusive growth in the district.
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