NEW RESEARCH | Microentrepreneurs lead rural digital transformation

The digital transformation in rural areas is largely driven by the local population, shows a new doctoral thesis by Johanna Lindberg at Luleå University of Technology. Through a system perspective, she has investigated how digital services can be integrated to meet the specific needs of rural areas.

In her doctoral dissertation, Johanna Lindberg highlights the concept of ‘rural digital ecosystems’ and points out how digital transformation is also strengthening communities, changing social roles and addressing social and emotional issues. However, the challenges are many. National digital strategies often take a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach, which rarely harmonizes with the needs of resource-poor rural micro-entrepreneurs.

Read about Johanna Lindberg’s research:
How to achieve a digitalized living countryside – advice for policy makers

Low-tech creates life in northern Sweden

Digital farm shop brings the countryside to life

More about the thesis:
Johanna Lindberg recently defended her thesis at the Department of Systems and Space Engineering, Luleå University of Technology Empowering and Inclusive Societal Rural Digital Transformation.