Extended Abstract
From Fragmentation to Synergy: Presenting a Strategic Networking Model for Rural Businesses Using the Grounded Theory Method

Introduction
This study aims to design a paradigmatic model of strategic networking for rural businesses in Iran, addressing the growing need for sustainable economic development in rural areas. Given the fragmented nature of rural enterprises and their challenges in accessing markets, resources, and innovation ecosystems, strategic networking can act as a transformative mechanism. The study is grounded in a qualitative approach, focusing on understanding the underlying conditions, processes, and consequences of business networking in rural settings.
Materials and Methods
The research was conducted using the grounded theory methodology. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with 19 participants, including university experts, rural business owners, managers, and successful practitioners in the rural enterprise domain during 2024–2025. The data analysis followed a three-stage coding process—open, axial, and selective coding. Through this process, six main components of the paradigmatic model were identified: causal conditions, central phenomenon, contextual conditions, intervening conditions, strategies, and consequences.
Results and Discussion
The findings reveal that causal conditions such as the developmental capacities of rural businesses and barriers to utilizing existing potentials, along with contextual factors like the social, cultural, and structural characteristics of rural communities, and intervening conditions such as sustainability indicators and permeability of networking platforms, play significant roles in shaping strategic networking processes. Identified strategies include the development of infrastructure, education and empowerment, and the creation of innovation ecosystems and network-based collaborations. These strategies lead to positive outcomes, including enhanced economic resilience, improved competitiveness, and strengthened social cohesion in rural communities. The study emphasizes that strategic networking is not only a response to existing rural challenges but also a foundation for productivity enhancement, cost reduction, market development, and ultimately, rural economic advancement.
Conclusions
The proposed paradigmatic model offers a comprehensive conceptual framework for analyzing and strengthening the strategic networking process in rural businesses. It can serve as a practical model for rural development planning. The study underlines the importance of localizing networking models, integrating social capital with emerging technologies, and aligning strategies with the unique conditions of rural communities. In addition, theoretical implications are discussed in light of existing literature, and future research directions are proposed to further refine and contextualize the model.