Development models and pathways of rural revitalization: A quantitative analysis of literature-based case studies

Abstract

Systematically summarizing and organizing rural development experiences provides valuable insights for comprehensively advancing the rural revitalization strategy. Based on a quantitative analysis method of literature cases, this study systematically reviewed 155 typical rural revitalization cases reported in the literature from 2007 to 2024 and identified 10 composite pathways of rural revitalization. Using an interpretive framework of rural development models based on the types and sources of driving forces, four major development models were identified. The characteristic resource utilization model achieves synergy between characteristic resources and prosperous living through pathways of ecological and cultural tourism integration, characteristic agricultural development, and water-environment drivers. The livability quality enhancement model improves medical and educational support, villagers' autonomy, and rural governance capacity through pathways led by public services, joint creation of a livable climate, and talent-driven co-construction. The urban-rural integration model promotes efficient linkage between rural areas and external markets and the flow of factors through pathways driven by transportation hubs and regional economic spillover. The assistance-activated model relies on external social forces to activate rural development engines through pathways of agricultural assistance-based revitalization and industrial and commercial enterprise leadership. This study verifies the multidimensional characteristics of rural revitalization. It proposes policy recommendations including multi-model combination, dynamic pathway adaptation, and people-centered development goals, providing a reference for future strategies for selecting rural revitalization models and pathways.