ICTs as a tool for overcoming social and economic disparities and improving income situation of rural inhabitants in the EU

Bajer, Malwina

doi:doi:10.53098/wir.2012.1.154/06

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Title: ICTs as a tool for overcoming social and economic disparities and improving income situation of rural inhabitants in the EU

Abstract:

Rural areas in the EU undergo social and economic transformation. Due to the diminishing role of agriculture new non-agricultural income sources are needed to maintain the vitality of rural areas; problems specific to rural areas – low population density, remoteness, lower level of public services, migration and the ageing of the population, weakness of the labour market, limited opportunities of non-agricultural employment and low quality of human capital reinforce each other creating a ”vicious circle” of deteriorating situation in rural areas; development of the knowledge-based economy creates demand for new competencies, offering at the same time new forms and possibilities of employment. ICTs have the potential to offset the structural disadvantages and diseconomies of localization in rural areas and to create new earning and co-operation opportunities. This article presents four groups of ICTs possibilities of overcoming social and economic disparities and improving the income situation of rural inhabitants in the EU.

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