Advancing digitalisation in rural areas: new position paper
The paper, produced by the EU-funded project dRural, outlines the impact of digitalisation in rural areas with a focus on the digital divide between EU urban and rural areas.
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The paper reflects on key aspects, such as the need for continuous investment in technical training for rural workforces, effective governance structures, local management, and long-term strategic planning.
Digitalisation in rural regions is severely hindered by inadequate infrastructure, with many areas lacking access to high-speed broadband and reliable mobile networks. Despite substantial investments, disparities persist, particularly in remote and mountainous regions.
The dRural project worked between 2021 and 2024 to promote rural digitalisation by establishing 11 regionally managed digital platforms throughout Europe. These platforms integrate technological solutions with knowledge-sharing, governance, business, and ecosystem-development initiatives.
Discover the latest Rural Pact resources on the topic of digital.