ICT-based public policies and depopulation in hollowed-out Spain: A survey analysis on the digital divide and citizen satisfaction

Carolina Pontones-Rosa, Rosario Pérez-Morote and Jesús F. Santos-Peñalver

Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 2021, vol. 169, issue C

Abstract: Drawing on the findings of a survey administered to 514 inhabitants of the so-called hollowed-out Spain (la España vaciada, referring to the country's depopulated regions), this study provides a basis for assessing the effectiveness and impact of ICT-based public policies. The study facilitates so-called Rural Proofing, identifying the weaknesses on which the administration can focus to improve living conditions and so prevent the exodus from rural areas. The existence of a digital divide was corroborated, as was the presence of different population profiles related to satisfaction with ICT development. Digital inclusion is not guaranteed across all groups of population, while greater use of ICT is not associated with greater satisfaction. Furthermore, the levels of access, use and satisfaction with ICT development alone do not appear to be sufficient to deter depopulation.

Keywords: Depopulation; Rurality; Digital divide; ICT; Internet access; Internet use; Citizen satisfaction; Survey; ICT-based public policy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:tefoso:v:169:y:2021:i:c:s0040162521002432

DOI: 10.1016/j.techfore.2021.120811

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