Digital pioneers in rural areas

The DigPion research project, based at the Department of Regional Planning at Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, analyzes networks and cooperation strategies of digital thought leaders. The focus is on rural areas in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Baden-Württemberg. In both states, a total of 43 people with ICT skills were identified as driving social innovation and regional development in rural areas. Based on interviews with these pioneers, the existing networks and collaborations were systematically examined using network analysis methods.

The results and recommendations for action arrived at by the researchers will be presented at their final symposium on November 18, 2022, at the Dieselkraftwerk in Cottbus: In eight theses, they describe how support for digital development and the relevant actors can succeed - at the national, regional and local levels. In doing so, they address topics such as financing and funding, digital-collarorative working and living, infrastructure, start-up spirit and citizen-oriented administrations.

A panel discussion on the topic of "Digitization in rural areas" will focus on how the findings from the studies in the two German states can be applied to other regions. Dr. Tobias Mettenberger (Thünen Institute), Dr. Peter Ulrich (Municipal Science Institute, University of Potsdam) and Michael Brentrup (Brandenburg State Chancellery, Head of Planning Department) will discuss the topic.

Interested parties are cordially invited to attend: Friday, November 18, 2022, 10 am - 5:30 pm, Dieselkraftwerk Cottbus, Am Amtsteich Registration is requested: Email: hanna.zeißig@b-tu.de.

The research project "DigPion: Digital Pioneers in Rural Regional Development" analyzes the networks and cooperation strategies of digital thought leaders in rural areas. The goal is to develop policy strategies that can promote sustainable spatial development and prevent spatial disparities. The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) through the Federal Rural Development Program (BULE) from 2020 to 2023.

Contact V.-Prof. Dr. phil. Julia Binder Department of Regional Planning Tel. (0355) 69-3434 binder(at)b-tu.de