developing a way or means; finding a path forward
Used for actively creating or discovering a viable route, solution, or means to overcome a difficult situation. Often appears in business, career, or life contexts.
Many companies strive to develop new avenues even during a recession.
He sought to find a way forward in overseas markets.
活路 means 'way out' or 'means of survival'; 活路開拓 is the act of developing or finding such a way.
開拓 alone means 'reclamation' or 'pioneering'; combined with 活路 it specifically refers to opening up a path or solution.
Compound of 活路 (way out, means of survival) and 開拓 (reclamation, pioneering). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the combination is conventionally associated with creating new opportunities.