• JYOTHI ANTHERJANAM S
• Dr SMITHA .V. P

Abstract The rapid growth of digital technologies and the transformation of the retail sector in India offer new avenues for rural entrepreneurship. However, most traditional skill development initiatives, particularly those delivered through Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETIs), have yet to fully incorporate digital tools and knowledge essential for success in the evolving online economy. This research explores how RSETIs can be repositioned to better equip rural populations for the digital retail landscape. The study aims to investigate the potential of integrating emerging technologies—such as mobile commerce, digital payments, social media marketing, and e-commerce platforms—into the existing RSETI curriculum. By evaluating current training models and identifying technological gaps, the paper will propose a forward-looking framework for digital skill infusion in RSETIs. The research will also examine successful case studies of rural entrepreneurs who have leveraged digital tools for business growth, highlighting the role of RSETIs in scaling such outcomes. The significance of this study lies in its potential to contribute to both policy-making and practice. It offers insights into how rural entrepreneurship can be aligned with India's broader goals under the Digital India initiative and Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. The findings will be particularly valuable for stakeholders such as training institutes, government departments, non-profits, and corporate CSR arms looking to invest in rural digital inclusion and employment generation.. This holistic exploration is expected to result in actionable recommendations for curriculum reform, policy support, and public-private collaboration aimed at creating digitally-empowered rural entrepreneurs.

Keywords: RSETIs, Rural Entrepreneurship, Digital Retail Economy, Emerging Technologies, Skill Development, E-commerce Integration

"Empowering Rural Entrepreneurs: Integrating Emerging Technologies into RSETI Training for the Digital Retail Economy", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 7, page no.d503-d512, July-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2507358.pdf

"Empowering Rural Entrepreneurs: Integrating Emerging Technologies into RSETI Training for the Digital Retail Economy", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 7, page no. ppd503-d512, July-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2507358.pdf