Digital Towns: Accelerating and Measuring the Digital Transformation of Rural Societies and Economies

This book explores the digital transformation of small and rural towns, highlighting the challenges faced by rural communities in accessing and using digital technologies. It defines a digital town and explores digitalization through the perspectives of individuals, businesses, the public sector, and civil society, and three types of enabling infrastructure. The book provides a Digital Town Readiness Framework for local communities to develop digital town initiatives and measure progress.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 213 pages
Publication date: 11 February 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive open-access book delves into the transformative journey of small and rural towns, shedding light on their digital transformation. It explores various factors influencing this process, including access to resources, competition from urban and global markets, and population trends. However, rural communities face significant barriers to digital adoption, such as limited access to digital technologies, lower digital competencies, and skills compared to their urban counterparts. As a result, they experience less beneficial outcomes from increased digitalization than urban areas.

The book defines what a digital town is and examines digitalization through the lens of four fundamental economic sectors: individuals and households, businesses, the public sector, and civil society. It also highlights the importance of three enabling infrastructures: digital connectivity, education, and governance. Special attention is given to measuring digitalization efforts across these sectors and enabling infrastructures by intergovernmental and international organizations.

The book concludes with a Digital Town Readiness Framework, providing local communities, policymakers, and scholars with a set of initial indicators to develop digital town initiatives and track progress. This framework serves as a valuable guide for those eager to embrace the opportunities of a more equitable and impactful digital society and digital economy.

By examining the digital transformation of small and rural towns, this book offers valuable insights and practical strategies for building resilient and inclusive digital communities. It underscores the importance of addressing the digital divide and promoting equal access to digital resources and opportunities for all, regardless of location.

Weight: 318g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030912499
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022