Identifying the Sustainability Themes of Rural Entrepreneurial Enterprises Based on Modern Digital Interactions and Private Partnerships

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 PhD Student, Department of Public Administration, CT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Human Resource Management, Amin University of Law Enforcement Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

3 Assistant Professor, Department of Public Administration, CT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract
To compete effectively in today's competitive environment and achieve long-term sustainability, rural entrepreneurial enterprises need to leverage modern digital interactions while strengthening private partnerships. As the smallest social unit, villages play a fundamental role in economic and social development, and rural entrepreneurship is recognized as one of the key drivers of sustainable rural development. In this context, modern digital interactions facilitate communication, knowledge sharing, collaborative networks, and coordinated decision-making, while active private-sector participation enhances investment, innovation, and long-term business resilience. Accordingly, the present study aimed to identify the sustainability themes of rural entrepreneurial enterprises based on modern digital interactions and private partnerships through a qualitative research strategy. The study employed thematic content analysis based on the Braun and Clarke (2006) model. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews and analyzed using open and axial coding procedures. The research population consisted of 12 experts, including university professors, sustainability and entrepreneurship consultants, and managers of rural small and medium-sized entrepreneurial enterprises. Purposive sampling was applied until theoretical saturation was achieved. The findings revealed that the sustainability of rural entrepreneurial enterprises is shaped through the integration of modern digital interactions and private partnerships, resulting in a comprehensive thematic framework comprising ten overarching themes: economic sustainability, social sustainability, environmental sustainability, governance and leadership, private partnerships, innovation and entrepreneurship, digital transformation, organizational resilience, ESG and strategic sustainability, and infrastructure and institutional environment. These themes were further supported by 236 basic themes, collectively forming a comprehensive sustainability model for rural entrepreneurial enterprises.

Keywords

Subjects

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  • Receive Date 01 October 2025
  • Revise Date 19 October 2025
  • Accept Date 28 November 2025