Blockchain traceability of Danzhou Tiaosheng cultural creative products and sustainable rural economy: digital empowerment path of innovation-entrepreneurship talent cultivation in vocational education

Background Rural areas in developing countries face challenges integrating intangible cultural heritage with sustainable food systems. This study examines how blockchain traceability, cultural creative design, and vocational innovation-entrepreneurship education synergistically promote sustainable rural economic development. Methods Using mixed methods, we implemented an 18-month project (September 2023–December 2024) in Danzhou City, Hainan Province, China. Data included questionnaire surveys ( N = 568 consumers), student assessments ( N = 120, experimental 60 vs. control 60), farmer interviews ( N = 42, project participants 28 vs. control 14), and blockchain records (856 product batches). Structural equation modeling and difference-in-differences analysis evaluated intervention effects. Results Blockchain traceability significantly enhanced consumer trust (4.35/5.0 vs. 3.12/5.0, p < 0.001) and purchase intention (5.82 vs. 4.23, p < 0.001), enabling 25–40% premium pricing. Vocational innovation-entrepreneurship programs increased student startup success rates from 16.7 to 53.3% ( p < 0.01). Participating farmers achieved 50.2% income growth compared to 7.0% in control group (DID estimate: +43.2%, p < 0.01). Environmental sustainability improved with green packaging adoption reaching 82% and local raw material procurement increasing to 89%. Conclusion Digital empowerment through blockchain technology, cultural creative transformation, and vocational talent cultivation provides an effective pathway for sustainable rural economic development. The integrated model demonstrates replicability for regions with cultural heritage resources and vocational education infrastructure.