The present paper assesses the strategic significance of transition to the multifunctional vector of sustainable development for rural territorial entities. The study outlines perspective research areas to examine the phenomenon of sustainable rural development. The purpose of this study is to develop a methodological approach to the implementation of sustainable rural development strategy in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal of this study was achieved through the development and implementation of a comprehensive research project that combines the advantages of desk and field research. Designing a cluster scenario of sustainable rural development exploited a multidimensional statistical analysis, scenario forecasting and foresight methods. The study used a systematic approach focused on the main elements of rural areas, their exogenous and endogenous factors of functioning and interconnection, the current state, weaknesses and strengths in identifying strategic priorities for sustainable development. In turn, the system analysis relied on conducting explicit examination and evaluation, subsequent expertise, and working out a rural development strategy. Rural areas of the Non-Chernozem zone of the Republic of Bashkortostan were chosen to approve the developed methodological approach. The main findings of this study include: overview of the previous research on strategic planning of sustainable rural development; justification of the integrated application of presentday methods of economic research to take “mainstream” directions for functioning of rural territorial entities. The results of this paper can be used as general guidelines to make long-term strategic plans and forecasts for rural development.