The spatial implications of rural business digitalization: case studies from Wales

• Main Author: Laura Norris
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2020-01-01
• Series: Regional Studies, Regional Science
• Subjects: broadband infrastructure; digital technologies; business models; rural business; spatial inequalities; digital disadvantage
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/21681376.2020.1841674

The rural–urban digital divide literature addresses the digital inequalities experienced by rural communities. However, little attention has been paid to how rural small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can use improved broadband connection to address spatial inequalities. Furthermore, the integration of digital technologies into SME business models can ultimately lead to productivity gains and potential regional development impacts. In seeking to explore how rural firms digitalize and the impact on spatial inequalities, the paper evaluates 14 case studies of Welsh rural SMEs. The findings highlight that adopting a dynamic business model that is increasingly digitalized is beneficial to all firms, and that there is a potential for digital technologies to address spatial inequalities for rural SMEs.