Digital skills are a must in the era of digitalisation. They are considered essential for businesses to be competitive and for citizens to benefit from the improved access to jobs and public and private services digitalisation can provide, in particular in rural contexts. While there are examples of rural areas already exploiting the potential of digitalisation, there is still a persisting digital divide in Europe between rural, peri-urban and urban areas in terms of digital connectivity, skills and capacities for technological development. The efforts in providing quality digital infrastructure in rural areas need to be complemented with enhanced capacities for rural actors to maximise its use. However, the lack of digital skills in many rural areas, where less than half of the households in sparsely populated areas have at least basic digital skills, only 20% have above digital skills and 2.5% are Information and Communication Technology (ICT) specialists (rural in digital index), mirrors socio-economic inequalities between these areas and urban areas.
Online Webinar highlighted why digitalization is a core priority of the European Union and how essential it is for boosting resilience and innovation across our rural communities. The EU Rural Action Plan promotes access to digital tools and improving connectivity, while the Rural pact encourages cooperation among stakeholders to boost digital capacity and innovation in rural territories.
Through the REVIVE project, partners shared inspiring examples from digital platforms and interactive storytelling to immersive 360° experiences that bring local traditions to life. These tools show how digital transformation can preserve heritage, revitalize rural areas, and open new opportunities for the Mediterranean region.
Training programmes are playing a key role in building digital skills, empowering local actors, and fostering innovation. Strengthening these capacities is vital to ensure the long-term sustainability of our rural territories.
