Digitalisation for Sustainable Rural Development in the EU by 2040

Digitalisation is key to achieving the European Commission's long-term vision for rural areas by 2040, addressing challenges in connectivity, public services, and employment. This report, produced by AEIDL and funded under Horizon 2020, outlines seven principles for sustainable digitalisation, including alignment with the SDGs and digital inclusion. Based on the DESIRA Rural Digitalisation Forum webinar and the NEI report, it highlights disparities in digital access and skills between urban and rural regions, with only 60% of rural households reaching 30Mbps broadband. Stakeholders see opportunities in agriculture and forestry through digital tools, though implementation costs, low ICT skills, and weak infrastructure remain barriers. The study advocates for targeted EU funding—30% for Digital Innovation Hubs—and emphasizes human-centric technologies, data harmonisation (e.g., DestinE, Madames-AX), and community-led innovation. Policy recommendations stress equitable support, skills development, and sustainable infrastructure to close the urban-rural digital divide and boost productivity, market access, and service delivery in rural EU regions.