Outputs for the Digitalization in rural and sparsely populated areas – joint Nordic-Baltic learning project
Webinars
Digitalisation is often described as a global megatrend and is set to transform all elements of our economy, government and society. But what exactly does that mean at the local level? What are the implications for communities, businesses? What challenges are on the horizon? What are the opportunities and how can we make the most of these? And how should policymakers respond?
Webinar 1: The digital divide
Rural and sparsely populated areas are often painted as lagging behind their urban counterparts when it comes to digitalisation. This situation is often referred to as “the digital divide” and relates to both the availability of digital infrastructure and the use of digital technologies among the population. This webinar will explore the digital divide from a critical perspective, highlighting examples of how it is being overcome in different parts of the Nordic-Baltic Region.
Presentations
Linda Randall, Nordregio
Tommy Nilsson (Byanätsforum, Sweden)
Regina Westas Stedt (Vingåker Municipality, Sweden)
Aiga Irmeja (Latvian IT Cluster, Latvia)
Webinar 2: Digitalisation in the manufacturing industry
We are at the beginning of what is commonly termed the Fourth Industrial Revolution, where digitalisation is gaining solid ground. In this webinar, we will zoom in on the manufacturing industry and dive into how digitalisation is affecting this field, particularly for the SMEs in the Nordic and Baltic rural areas. What does digitalisation actually mean and where do SMEs see themselves within this field? What are the challenges and possibilities that decision-makers and actors working with SMEs need to draw attention to? And what are the good examples of how SMEs can be helped to embark on their digital journey?
Presentations
Linda Randall, Nordregio
Helen Gjester, Innovation Norway
Julie Ringgaard Jensen, Vesthimmerlands Kommune, Denmark
Alvis Sokolovs, Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences , Latvia
Webinar 3: The digital revolution in the bioeconomy
When coupling the bioeconomy with digitalisation, three strands emerge 1) the application and use of digital tools in the everyday operation of traditional bioeconomy sectors; 2) data-driven analysis to identify and tackle gaps in supply and value chains (circular economy-approach), and 3) digitalisation as an enabling vehicle for enhancing innovation capabilities and high-value extraction in the bioeconomy. In this webinar, we take a look at these three strands and we will hear about good practices and experiences from the Nordic-Baltic Region. What challenges and opportunities are the bioeconomy sector facing, and what are the barriers to entry for SMEs in rural areas?
Presentations
Indesmatech and LoRaWAN in farming - Tom Togsverd, Indesmatech
GreenLab Skive and digitalisation in the circular biobased economy - Thea Lyng Thomsen, GreenLab
Micropolis and digitalisation in green growth-projects - Leena Vuotovesi, Micropolis
Webinar 4: Sustainable tourism and digitalisation
On a global level, information and communication technologies have revolutionized and reshaped the tourism sector. Social media, low-cost airlines and online booking sites have made the world more accessible and transparent for a global audience. In this webinar, we will dive into how tourism companies in the Nordic rural areas work with digital solutions as well as how sustainability is an increasingly important factor within the tourism sector.
Presentations
Sustainable tourism and digitalisation at Friðheimar, Knútur Rafn Ármann
Rural sustainable tourism in the Nordics, Ágúst Bogason, Research Fellow at Nordregio
A digital development journey for your business, Annelie Persson, Project Manager Region Västerbotten