Digitalization and Its Impact on Life in Rural Areas: Exploring the Two Sides of the Atlantic: USA and Germany

Abstract

On both sides of the Atlantic, rural areas struggle to maintain social services, access to education, possibilities of employment etc., under the pressure of demographic developments such as aging and an exodus of young, qualified citizens. Therefore, it is crucial to take a closer look on possible solutions, using digitalization as a means to empower people in rural areas. Digitalization implies more than technology—it also includes the skillset and the mindset involved in using digital technologies. Digitalization needs a strategy: Applied in a holistic way, digitalization creates change and can be used as a catalyst for community empowerment. This chapter presents insights on how today’s digital possibilities are employed in rural areas within the U.S. and Germany. It draws from the essay “Digitalization: Status Quo and future trends—a new impact on life in rural areas” by Mareike Meyn. Findings are that digitalization offers tremendous potential for rural communities: Applied in a well thought-out way, digital possibilities can not only create change, but may also create a future leapfrog effect for rural communities.