Revitalizing Rural Communities: Pathways to Social, Economic, and Environmental Sustainability

Dear Colleagues,

A significant contribution to this discourse is the editorial by Barber III, Harris, and Jones (2021) from a Special Issue in the Journal of Small Business Strategy, which emphasizes the unique nature of rural entrepreneurship. They argue that traditional frameworks, often tailored for urban or high-growth contexts, may not effectively capture the nuances of rural entrepreneurial activities. Their report advocates for context-specific research methodologies that consider the distinct social, economic, and cultural landscapes of rural areas.

Building on the theme of tailored approaches, Zollet et al. (2024) delve into rural entrepreneurship education. Their research highlights the importance of experiential learning and the development of entrepreneurial self-efficacy among rural students. By analyzing various educational programs, they demonstrate how curricula designed with rural contexts in mind can better equip students to contribute to their communities' economic development.

This Special Issue also explores the integration of environmental sustainability into rural development. Articles could discuss the adoption of green development practices, emphasizing the need for sustainable agricultural methods and the conservation of natural resources. These studies would showcase successful initiatives where rural communities have implemented environmentally friendly practices that also bolster economic resilience.

Social sustainability is another potential critical focus. This Special Issue will examine how community engagement, cultural preservation, and inclusive governance contribute to the overall well-being of rural populations. Additionally, we welcome examples of community-based art, including visual and performing arts, that contribute to social sustainability. By fostering strong social networks and participatory decision-making processes, rural communities can enhance their capacity to adapt to changing circumstances and external pressures.

Collectively, the articles in this Special Issue will provide valuable insights into the complex interplay between social, economic, and environmental factors in rural settings, underscoring the necessity of holistic, context-aware strategies to promote sustainable development and resilience in rural communities worldwide.

The aim of this Special Issue of Sustainability, titled "Revitalizing Rural Communities: Pathways to Social, Economic, and Environmental Sustainability," is to explore and disseminate research that addresses the multifaceted challenges and opportunities inherent in rural community revitalization.

     1. Focus, Scope, and Purpose

1. Focus: This Special Issue is centered on the intersection of social, economic, and environmental dimensions in the context of rural community sustainability. Our objective is to understand how integrated approaches can foster long-term viability in rural areas (Junping et al., 2023), given that recent studies illustrate that sustainable rural development must align with local contexts and community needs, which are often shaped by unique social and economic dynamics (Liu, 2024).
2. Scope: This Issue encompasses a broad range of topics comprising (but not limited to) rural entrepreneurship, community-based resource management, social cohesion, environmental justice, and sustainable land use, including communities reclaiming the commons in direct response to absentee land ownership (Gonzalez, 2019). We welcome interdisciplinary research that offers both theoretical insights and practical solutions applicable to diverse rural settings on a global scale. The increasing focus on digital transformation in rural economies (Zollet et al., 2024), particularly its role in enhancing access to markets, is noteworthy, as it plays a pivotal role in revitalizing rural entrepreneurship (Criveanu, 2023). Additionally, researchers are encouraged to consider social sustainability aspects, such as community engagement and inclusive governance, which are crucial for successful rural revitalization (Mohai & Saha, 2015).
3. Purpose: Our primary objective is to contribute to the academic, theoretical, and practical understanding of sustainable rural development. By compiling empirical studies, case analyses, and theoretical frameworks, the aim of this Special Issue is to inform policymakers, practitioners, and scholars about effective strategies for revitalizing rural communities sustainably (Christopher et al., 2022). Given that present research indicates that incorporating environmental justice perspectives can significantly enhance the effectiveness of revitalization strategies (Fanelli, 2021), our aim is to forge connections between theoretical frameworks and real-world applications, bridging the gap between research and practice (Gladkova, 2024).

This Special Issue can add to the existing literature in several meaningful ways, as follows:

1. Integrative Frameworks for Rural Sustainability

While much prior research treats social, economic, and environmental dimensions of rural development in isolation, we explicitly seek interdisciplinary and integrative approaches. By examining how these dimensions intersect and influence each other, this Issue can advance holistic models of rural revitalization that are both theoretically robust and practically relevant.

2. Grounding Research in Local Contexts

Recent research (e.g., Liu, 2024) stresses that sustainability strategies must be context-sensitive. This Issue’s emphasis on locally adapted strategies and inclusive governance can push the literature beyond generic frameworks to more place-based, community-informed insights—a critical step in making sustainable development truly viable for rural settings.

3. Addressing Underexplored Topics

The inclusion of themes such as digital transformation in rural economies, environmental justice, and inclusive governance highlights emerging but underexplored areas. These topics are particularly timely as rural regions globally are navigating climate change, depopulation, and technological shifts. This Issue can therefore fill important empirical and theoretical gaps, especially in policy-relevant research.

4. Bridging Theory and Practice

By calling for submissions that connect academic theory with practical strategies, this Issue could significantly contribute to translational research. It may help bridge the persistent gap between academic insights and on-the-ground policy implementation—an area where sustainability research often falls short.

5. Global and Comparative Perspectives

This Issue’s openness to diverse global contexts encourages comparative studies and cross-regional learning. This could lead to a more nuanced understanding of how different governance structures, cultural settings, and resource constraints shape sustainable rural development—thus enhancing the generalizability and transferability of findings.

References:

Barber III, D., Harris, M. L., & Jones, J. (2021). An Overview of Rural Entrepreneurship and Future Directions. Journal of Small Business Strategy, 31(4), 1–4. https://doi.org/10.53703/001c.29468

Zollet, S., Monsen, E., Chen, W. D., & Barber III, D. (2024). Rural Entrepreneurship Education. Entrepreneurship Education and Pedagogy. https://doi.org/10.1177/25151274241235458

Sustainability | Special Issue: Green Development: Rural Communities, Resilience and Sustainability—Second Edition. https://www.mdpi.com/journal/sustainability/special_issues/0J759IF770

Sustainability | Special Issue: Environmental and Social Sustainability in Rural Areas. https://www.mdpi.com/journal/sustainability/special_issues/environmental_social*

Dr. Dennis Barber III
Dr. Emily Yeager
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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• rural development
• sustainability
• place-based research
• small town entrepreneurship
• rural entrepreneurship
• community development
• economic development