Rural development and digital technologies: a collaborative framework for policy-making

Abstract

Purpose The paper aims to define a model for rural development, able to stimulate collaborations between actors involved in the agrifood chain and based on digital technologies as enabling factors for such collaborations. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory research, based on a qualitative approach, is conducted, using both constructivist grounded theory and Gioia methodology. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and roundtables administered to Italian key players. Findings The authors identify five actions (definition of territorial identity, involvement of internal and external supply chain actors, definition of quality standards, cooperation intra and infra supply chains, communication through technology) for collaboration in the development of rural areas that policymakers should encourage and actors in the supply chains must implement. The paper also entails both theoretical and practical implications. From the theoretical point of view, this study contributes to the literature on the relationship between agrifood, local development and the role of technologies. From the managerial point of view, this paper provides insights for policymakers to define strategies and actions aimed at developing collaborations between actors involved in the agrifood chain and leveraging digital technologies to support rural development. Originality/value The paper proposes a framework for the collaboration of the actors of the agrifood sector and related food tourism that could be the basis for the development of a digital platform able to connect all the subjects involved in rural development.

Enhancing Rural Revitalization in China through Digital Economic Transformation and Green Entrepreneurship

“…Digital economic transformation has been a major factor in the past few years in the upheaval of regions [5] and the production of significant effects in the rural area [1]. According to preliminary research [17], the process of digitization can have an effect on rural sectors in general as well as agriculture specifically (e.g., defining new and richer services, helping to efficient use of resources).…”

“…Building on this foundation, we propose a linkage between digital economic transformation and green entrepreneurship. It is evident that digital technological advancements equip green entrepreneurs with the necessary tools and processes for implementing and executing sustainable solutions [5]. Furthermore, Saura et al [39] substantiated that the application of digital technologies in green ventures facilitates circular economy practices by leveraging the optimization of resource re-use and the enhancement in energy efficiency.…”

“…Green innovation, characterized by the development and implementation of new products, services, or processes that reduce environmental impacts and promote sustainability [45], has a profound impact on rural revitalization. According to Monda et al [5], rural areas can experience enhanced economic growth and environmental sustainability by integrating eco-friendly practices and technologies. This is further supported by a recent study conducted by Li et al [51], who argued that green innovation significantly contributes to the economic empowerment of regional areas as they create novel and sustainable business opportunities in sectors such as renewable energy [52], sustainable agriculture [53], and eco-tourism [54].…”

“…Combining the arguments pertaining to the linkage between digital economic transformation and green entrepreneurship (hypothesis 1) and green innovation and rural revitalization (hypothesis 2), we further infer the mediating impact of green entrepreneurship in the relationship between digital economic transformation and green innovation. As discussed above, digital economic transformation leverages rural entrepreneurs to embark upon enhanced tools and technologies that can enable them to incite sustainable solutions [5] catered to the diversified needs of rural areas. As a result, sustainable solutions may be culminated into enhanced levels of green innovation.…”

“…In addition to this, sustainable rural revitalization (e.g., inclusive economic growth, sustainable agriculture, and resilient communities) can contribute significantly to achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) [3]. From this perspective, recent research has identified the integration of digital technologies and green development practices as crucial elements for transforming rural economies and promoting environmental sustainability [5]. Nevertheless, the authors conducted an exploratory study of the interplay between digital technologies and rural development and paved the way to empirically assess the linkage between digital economic transformation and rural revitalization.…”