Critical success enablers for rural entrepreneurship: an integrated framework connecting theory, practice and sustainable development goals

Purpose The study examines the critical success enablers (CSEs) for rural entrepreneurship to identify and rank hierarchically, which is essential for the success of rural enterprise (RE). The study mainly explores the influential relationships among the CSEs and assesses driving, dependence and linkage enablers for strategic decision-making. Design/methodology/approach The study follows a mixed-method research design, with a qualitative method of CSEs identification from the literature with theories, and confirming through experts' opinions. The quantitative analysis was through total interpretive structural modeling (TISM) and matrix of cross-impact multiplications applied to classification (MICMAC). The study links with institutional theory, resource-based view, sustainable livelihood framework, etc. Findings The results indicate that the institutional, policy, financial accessibility, and infrastructure support are the independent CSEs based on driving power, and the innovation and adaptability, and skill enhancement and training are the most dependent enablers. Research limitations/implications The study contributes to the theory by proposing an interdisciplinary insight into RE and offering future research directions, with sustainable development goals (SDGs) in digital entrepreneurship, green entrepreneurship models, etc. Practical implications The study provides a practical contribution and policy interventions on credit affordability, microfinance options, less collateral loans, innovation hubs, etc. to solve the barriers for improving performance and innovation, with SDG 1 and SDG 8 by RE for income generation and reducing unemployment; SDG 9 by improving infrastructure and innovation; SDG 5 through promoting women REs; and SDG 10 through accelerating a more equitable environment. Originality/value The study is integrated research linking with TISM, MICMAC and ADO-based SDGs aligned framework for CSEs.