Influencing Factors of Sustainable Rural Entrepreneurship: A Four-Dimensional Evaluation System Encompassing Entrepreneurs, Economy, Society, and Environment

Abstract

The implementation of rural entrepreneurship emerges as a pivotal pathway for fostering rural economic growth. However, unsustainable entrepreneurial endeavors have posed notable ecological threats and environmental degradation. Drawing upon the triple bottom line framework, this research devised a comprehensive evaluation system for sustainable rural entrepreneurship, spanning four dimensions: entrepreneurs, economic, social, and environmental aspects. Employing the fuzzy Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DANP) approach, we delineated the intricate causal relationships among influencing factors and identified key determinants along with their respective weights. Our findings underscore the prominence of economic dimensions in fostering sustainable rural entrepreneurship. Specifically, entrepreneurial motivation, type of entrepreneurship, financial backing, economic value, favorable policy frameworks, and a conducive business environment emerged as pivotal indicators. Notably, the type of entrepreneurship, financial support, economic value, and favorable policies emerged as propelling factors driving sustainable rural entrepreneurial progress. Conversely, entrepreneurial motivation and the business environment manifested as dependent factors within this causal nexus. This study offers valuable managerial implications for entrepreneurial teams and pertinent government agencies, enabling decision-makers to formulate evidence-based strategies aimed at realizing sustainable rural entrepreneurship.

Keywords

• influencing factors
• sustainable rural entrepreneurship
• evaluation system
• rural development