The spatial implications of rural business digitalization

Case studies from Wales

Dados Bibliográficos

ID7366539
AutoresL C Norris (0000-0002-3688-398X, autor correspondente)
Ano2020
Volume7
Fascículo1
Páginas499-510
Data de publicação2020-01-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoRegional Studies Regional Science (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 2168-1376 • E-ISSN: 2168-1376
EditoraTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/21681376.2020.1841674
OpenAlexW3098278889
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas10
Referências citadas28

The rural–urban digital divide literature addresses the digital inequalities experienced by rural communities. However, little attention has been paid to how rural small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can use improved broadband connection to address spatial inequalities. Furthermore, the integration of digital technologies into SME business models can ultimately lead to productivity gains and potential regional development impacts. In seeking to explore how rural firms digitalize and the impact on spatial inequalities, the paper evaluates 14 case studies of Welsh rural SMEs. The findings highlight that adopting a dynamic business model that is increasingly digitalized is beneficial to all firms, and that there is a potential for digital technologies to address spatial inequalities for rural SMEs

Broadband · Business · Digital divide · Economic geography · Economic growth · Economics · Geography · Inequality · Information and Communications Technology · Political science · Productivity · Rural area · Telecommunications · Welsh · Computer Science · Cultural Industries and Urban Development · Entrepreneurship Studies and Influences · ICT Impact and Policies