290060 EX Digitalization in Rural Areas - Part 1: The Concept of the 'Smart Village' (2021S)

Digitization is a societal megatrend with an impact on spatial development. With the corona pandemic, digital and therefore location-independent forms of communication, work and study have gained in importance. Especially in rural areas, digitization is given special opportunities to be available: through innovative solutions in the provision of services of general interest, through new forms of communication and participation, and through new options in the field of employment. The excursion offers an overview of current developments in a wide range of topics. Case studies are presented and current strategies and concepts are discussed with experts.

In the first part of this excursion, spatial strategies to promote digitization are the fundamentals: Which administrative levels are driving the digitization process? What are the expectations - especially with regard to rural areas?