Indicators and policies for bridging the urban-rural digital divide.
Past studies have identified a weak business case for 5G in the Nordic-Baltic region, often attributing this to the persistent challenges of the urban-rural digital divide and the region’s relatively low population density. Gaining a deeper understanding of the on-the-ground effects of enhanced digital connectivity, particularly 5G, on local businesses and overall quality of life can yield valuable insights and incentives. These insights in turn can facilitate a more inclusive rollout of emerging digital solutions, aligned with local needs.
The present literature review has identified both the most prevalent and the currently understudied indicators in this context. That review identified a set of indicators aimed at addressing remaining gaps in the scholarly and policy debate on the best practices and lessons learned from smart rural communities in the Nordic-Baltic region. Key insights from the report, which the proposed set of indicators aims to address, include:
- Rural-urban digital divide: Highlighting the experiences of otherwise underrepresented groups is essential for fostering a more inclusive digital transformation in the Nordic-Baltic region.
- Business case for 5G: A deeper understanding of the process by which novel digital technologies are integrated into rural communities will strengthen the business case for 5G and related applications.
- Nordic-Baltic societal implications of improved digital connectivity: There remains a gap in the literature regarding Nordic-Baltic case studies of (rural) smart communities, as well as the absence of a methodological framework balancing economic development insights with societal implications.
- Evolving policy landscape: The national and international policy landscape for inclusive, ethical and socially responsible technology development and deployment has evolved considerably over the past years.