A guide to developing a rural digital hub

Abstract

This paper outlines the development of a Rural Digital Hub Guide. Digital hubs comprise one of a range of solutions that policymakers can implement in rural regions to promote digital engagement among communities and businesses. The guide was developed as part of an Interreg VB North Sea Europe Programme which focussed on testing innovative solutions to the Urban-rural digital divide by improving digital skills, services and infrastructure. This paper explains how the Rural Digital Hub Guide was researched and developed, the creation of a typology of digital hubs and the key steps that policymakers need to consider when establishing a digital hub in their region.

How can rural businesses thrive in the digital economy? A UK perspective

“…Finally, in recent years, digital hubs are recommended as a digital operating model to enhance the local digital environment and build digital collaborative communities that foster both social connectivity and economic change in rural areas ( Price et al., 2018 ; Rundel et al., 2020 ; Merrell et al., 2021 , Merrell et al., 2022 ). They are often used as co-working spaces to attract and retain digital entrepreneurs and young talent ( Price et al., 2021 ). In the UK, digital and technological hubs have recently been established to provide businesses with access to technical capabilities, equipment and other services to create innovation capability and economic growth ( Innovate UK, 2020 ).…”

“…In the UK, digital and technological hubs have recently been established to provide businesses with access to technical capabilities, equipment and other services to create innovation capability and economic growth ( Innovate UK, 2020 ). In particular, these digital hubs are often a collaboration by businesses, universities and local government agencies as part of regional and local development funding ( Price et al., 2021 ; Rundel and Salemink, 2022 ). For example, the Lincolnshire Technology Hubs in the UK is located in the University of Lincoln to provide businesses with access to digitally-enabled technology, which can be used by the local manufacturing sector, and digital skills support and advice ( Ashmore et al., 2019 ).…”

“…In addition, simpler signposting to digital support and IT information, such as local guidance, should be created for rural businesses seeking appropriate digital and IT support ( Salemink et al., 2017 ). Similarly, it is important to create more digital enterprise hubs for better access to digital support in rural areas ( Rundel et al., 2020 ; Price et al., 2021 ). Rural businesses can use or visit the hubs for better connectivity, start-up workspace, hot-desk space and digital training ( Rundel et al., 2020 ; Merrell et al., 2021 , Merrell et al., 2022 ).…”

All hubs and no spokes? Exploring the potential of hubs to sustain rural and regional development

“…The range of “hubs” in rural areas has extended across many activities relating to diverse social, cultural, health and wellbeing, economic, technological and environmental needs of rural places. Rural transport hubs have been discussed in an earlier volume (Bosworth et al, 2020) and this issue adds contributions that focus on food hubs (Curry), enterprise hubs (Merrell, Rowe et al), co-working hubs (Merrell, Russell et al; Avdikos and Papageorgiou), creative hubs (Hill et al), digital hubs (Rundel and Salemink; Price et al) and service hubs (Goodwin-Hawkins et al). Each of these combine questions of place and function, recognising that hubs are shaped by their socio-cultural and environmental context, while simultaneously shaping that context through their development and activities.…”

“…Rather than assuming that a hub is seeking solely to replicate the scale advantages of an urban area, this identifies that rural spaces can present distinctive opportunities for collaboration that would not suit an urban environment. Similarly, in rural digital hubs (Price et al, this issue), the offer might extend beyond technology, recognising the needs for skills development and accessibility among different age groups whereas urban centres might be more segmented to address community, education or business needs. This aggregation of demand-types may present some logistical challenges to ensure everyone is catered for, but it also helps to create new connections within a local place and strengthen community cohesion.…”