Around 39 per cent of the German population lives in rural districts, which cover approximately 68 percent of the country's total area, according to a definition by the German Federal Institute for Research on Building, Urban Affairs and Spatial Development. These areas are characterised by low population density, extensive agriculture and forestry, detached and semi-detached houses, and greater distances to urban centres and workplaces. This results in longer journeys to work, school, doctors and shops, a heavy reliance on cars and comparatively poor public transport. At the same time, demographic change, a shortage of skilled workers and limited public services are exacerbating the structural challenges.
Digital innovations offer the opportunity to close existing gaps in supply and tap into new development potential. An analysis of the research literature shows that digitalisation can increase the attractiveness of rural areas as places to live and work. In practice, however, there is still a considerable need for action. Measures that strengthen local actors, promote cooperation between business, administration and civil society, and make digital solutions specifically usable for mobility and public services are currently particularly effective. Our expert survey underlines that digitalisation could significantly improve the reality of life of a large part of the population, but that the existing potential in rural areas has not yet been sufficiently exploited.
