Bridging the Digital Divide in Rural Communities – Practical solutions and policies

The “Urban/rural digital divide” refers to those set of people without an enhanced data capability which will lead them to be unable accessing the expected benefits of information and communication technologies, particularly in relation to health and education.

This divide concern is seen to be greatest in relation to those living and working in rural and remote areas since the lower rates for data access for these consumers place them at a disadvantage in comparison to metropolitan consumers. For these citizens the problems of missing infrastructures, incentives and computer literacy (the factors leading to the digital divide) are bigger and more difficult to solve.

In this context, The "Bridging the Digital Divide in Rural Communities" international Conference is bringing together academics, agents of applied research, field practitioners, and policy makers from Europe and beyond, who share an interest in promoting the utilization of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Services by rural citizens of all ages.

Conference participants will present the outcomes of their applied projects or academic endeavours, share their experiences from this work, and discuss towards drawing common conclusions and formulating recommendations for the future. Particular emphasis will be placed on bringing academic research and field-based initiatives and projects into close contact, mutually productive and beneficial exchange.

Speakers will include, among others, renowned international academics and EU representatives.
A limited number of papers will be selected and presented, covering the following aspects of the Digital Divide problem in rural territories:

• Support mechanisms;
• Infrastructure;
• Services;
• Education - Training - Lifelong Learning.

Deadline for submitting papers is 7 March 2008. Participation to the event is open to all and free-of-charge.

Event email: digitaldivide@ea.gr