Digitalisation and Sustainability Indicators in Rural Development

Socio-economic sustainability indicators (SESI) developed under the EU's DESIRA project measure digitalisation's impact on sustainable development in agriculture, forestry, and rural areas. Based on the Integrative Concept of Sustainable Development, SESI cover environmental, economic, and social dimensions, including pollution, resource efficiency, labour productivity, and equity. Indicators such as greenhouse gas emissions, freshwater use efficiency, and dependence on seasonal migrant workers are assessed through stakeholder surveys in Living Labs. The project aligns with the UN SDGs and OECD frameworks, supporting evidence-based policy and innovation in rural digitalisation.