Driving innovation for sustainable rural electrification: integrating technology, governance and business models

Purpose This study aims to analyze existing management model configurations of rural electrification projects to help organizations successfully carry out these projects, ensuring both innovation and sustainability. Design/methodology/approach The research methodology employs a systematic literature review, providing a comprehensive analysis of 37 publications, including 95 case studies selected from an initial pool of 175 publications. Bibliographic and content analyses were conducted on the management model configurations found in each case study. Findings The analysis identifies and highlights key issues in managing rural electrification projects, expanding the knowledge base by uncovering innovative configurations and integrating them into a comprehensive conceptual framework. Key findings include the predominance of off-grid solutions, reliance on non-conventional resources, the prevalence of fee-as-a-service models allowing users to manage costs periodically, and the necessity of addressing governance, technology and business model dimensions. Originality/value This study validates and extends a framework for the innovative and sustainable management of rural electrification projects based on an extensive review of case studies. It contributes to the field by uncovering novel management model configurations and integrating them into a conceptual framework that offers valuable insights for organizations involved in rural electrification.