{"product_id":"digital-towns-accelerating-and-measuring-the-digital-transformation-of-rural-societies-and-economies-9783030912499","title":"Digital Towns: Accelerating and Measuring the Digital Transformation of Rural Societies and Economies","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003eThis 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. \u003c\/blockquote\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFormat\u003c\/strong\u003e: Paperback \/ softback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLength\u003c\/strong\u003e: 213 pages\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublication date\u003c\/strong\u003e: 11 February 2022\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher\u003c\/strong\u003e: Springer Nature Switzerland AG\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBy 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e: 318g\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimension\u003c\/strong\u003e: 210 x 148 (mm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN-13\u003c\/strong\u003e: 9783030912499\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eEdition number\u003c\/strong\u003e: 1st ed. 2022\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Theo Lynn,Pierangelo Rosati,Edel Conway,Declan Curran,Grace Fox,Colm O'Gorman","offers":[{"title":"Paperback \/ softback","offer_id":44102920175866,"sku":"9783030912499","price":29.88,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0522\/4297\/2845\/products\/1650631890606_book.jpg?v=1650747160","url":"https:\/\/shulphink.com\/products\/digital-towns-accelerating-and-measuring-the-digital-transformation-of-rural-societies-and-economies-9783030912499","provider":"Shulph Ink","version":"1.0","type":"link"}