Resumen de Digital technologies in rural development in Poland: the importance in the functioning of institutions and bridging the development gap
Nowadays, one of the most significant challenges faced by rural areas is transforming their integrated approach to functioning. This transformation is linked to viewing social and economicchanges through the lens of smart rural development. Smart rural development entails activitiesaimed at empowering rural residents to use technology and social resources effectively for socioeconomic development, while considering local conditions and specificities. The adoption of digital technologies helps the active use of human resources, both on a personal level and withinterritorial units. The aim of this study is to illustrate how the significance of digital technologiesand the internet in rural development is perceived from the standpoint of institutions influencingtheir progress. Consequently, the study looks to ascertain the actual extent of digital technologyusage in rural areas and its importance in the daily operations of both institutions and rural residents. The analysis is based on an online questionnaire survey conducted among institutionsinvolved in rural development at state, regional, and local levels. The survey received more than1,300 responses from various institutions in Poland, including regional and local governments,NGOs, and state institutions operating at both central and local levels. Of these, more than 900institutions identified their area of operation as local. The findings of the survey show that, for theinstitutions examined, digital technologies are primarily valued for information dissemination andcommunication, though face-to-face interaction is still important. Most surveyed institutions believe that digital technologies have played a significant role in narrowing the development gapbetween urban and rural areas in recent years. They highlighted notable progress in areas suchas the accessibility of public services, residents' use of the internet for information retrieval, andthe enhancement of residents' skills and competencies.
