Rural-Proofing Gig Economy: Strategi Pemberdayaan Pemuda Grobogan untuk Peningkatan Pendapatan Mikro Berkelanjutan di Sektor Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif

This research aims to formulate an inclusive gig economy adaptation strategy (rural-proofing) for the youth in Grobogan Regency, focusing on increasing sustainable micro-income within the Tourism and Creative Economy sectors. Grobogan, which has the development vision of "Prosperous and Sustainable", faces a   Welfare Paradox a low Open Unemployment Rate (3.23%) coupled with a significant Poverty Rate (11.43%). This condition suggests a dominance of low-productivity and low-income jobs (underemployment). Furthermore, the adoption of urban gig economy models (such as online transportation) has proven highly vulnerable to economic.    Using a systematic literature review method and synthesis of local data, this study identifies three main gaps: the job quality gap (influenced by the low Average Years of Schooling at 7.29 years), the digital ecosystem gap (limited infrastructure and low digital literacy in rural areas), and the social protection gap (unclear legal status of gig workers). The main findings of this research highlight the necessity of shifting the focus from creating unskilled gig jobs (urban models) to a Rural-Proofing Strategy that includes: (1) Empowerment through experiential learning to foster young creative-preneurs and agro-preneurs, (2) Prioritizing infrastructure acceleration in Creative Economy centers, and (3) Local social protection innovation (e.g., subsidized BPJS Employment schemes) that can be integrated with existing local regulations. This strategy must be implemented through the Pentahelix approach, positioning the Government as the regulator and Academia as the training curriculum provider, supported by Business, Community, and Media. In conclusion, Grobogan's economic transition toward digitalization must be steered by adaptive and protective policies to ensure that digital innovation does not intensify income inequality.