The Role of Digitalization in Improving the Quality of Live in Rural (Industrialized) Regions

Abstract

Rural regions in the EU and all over the world are often characterized by divers’ conditions and aspects, such as - geographical, landscape, digital infrastructures, socio-economic, demographic, cultural and environmental as well as hierarchically grown decision structures and dense social networks among their inhabitants. Digitalization and improving quality of live in rural and industrialized regions is a transformative, yet complex process, that depends inherently on the ability of regions to face challenges in modernizing their industrial base, upgrading the skills of the workforce, compensating for job losses in key sectors, enhance well-being and living standards and improve their contribution to national performance and more inclusive and resilient societies. With this workshop, we aim at contributing to this growing field by sharing experiences, identifying interdisciplinary perspectives about regions in industrial and digital transition to become more resilient in the context of major shifts brought about by globalization, decarbonization and ongoing technological change.