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

This open access book explores the digital transformation of small and rural towns, in particular, how to measure the evolution and development of digital towns. In addition to access to resources, competition from urban and global markets, and population trends, rural communities present lesser access and use of digital technologies and have lower digital competencies and skills than their urban counterparts. Consequently, they experience less beneficial outcomes from increased digitalisation than urban areas. This book defines what a digital town is and explores digitalisation from the perspective of the four basic economic sectors in towns - individuals and households, businesses, the public sector, and civil society - and three types of enabling infrastructure - digital connectivity, education, and governance. Particular attention is paid to how digitalisation efforts are measured by intergovernmental and international organisations for each sector and enabling infrastructure. The book concludes with a Digital Town Readiness Framework that offers local communities, policymakers, and scholars an initial set of indicators upon which to develop digital town initiatives, and measure progress. For those ready to embrace the opportunity, this book is a pathfinder on the road to a more equitable and impactful digital society and digital economy.

Theo Lynn is Full Professor of Digital Business at DCU Business School, Ireland.

Pierangelo Rosati is Assistant Professor in Business Analytics at DCU Business School, Ireland.

Edel Conway is Full Professor in HRM and Organisational Psychology and Director of Doctoral Studies at DCU Business School, Ireland.

Declan Curran is Associate Professor of Economics at DCU Business School, Ireland.

Grace Fox is a post-doctoral researcher attached to the Irish Institute of Digital Business.

Colm O’Gorman is Interim Dean and Full Professor of Entrepreneurship at DCU Business School, Ireland.