A study by the German federal IT Competence Office (ÖFIT) reviews challenges and success factors of 49 rural development projects which are pursuing digital solutions to improve local services and quality of life in rural areas.
Rural areas face a variety of challenges, be it medical care, the supply of goods and services or educational and employment opportunities. At the same time, there are innovative projects all over Germany that pursue digital solutions in order to improve local services and quality of life on site. ÖFIT asked 49 projects about their experiences. The present study reviews initiatives which can increase the chances of success of digital projects in rural areas.