Rural Renaissance and Digital Parity

The digital age can eliminate density and geographic proximity requirements that were so critical during the industrial age.  The digital age will make it possible for a rural community to maintain its “rural” feel and continue to leverage its natural amenities while taking advantage of what only dense urban areas enjoyed last century. Things like access to funding (crowdfunding), worldwide markets (e-commerce), savvy employees (teleworkers) and real-time information; collaboration and innovation (videoconferencing and soon mixed reality); certain level of healthcare (telehealth); and educational opportunities (massive open online courses, online certifications).  So, what is in our way to achieve #Rural2.0?  Ultra-fast internet connectivity and digital skills quickly come to mind, but the most serious challenge is that the traditional 20th century mindset still exists in rural communities. This session will help you better understand the implications of the digital age and help your rural community transition to, plan for and prosper in the digital age.

Speaker

Roberto Gallardo

Purdue University
Assistant Director of the Purdue Center for Regional Development and a Purdue Extension Community & Regional Economics Specialist

Roberto Gallardo is Assistant Director of the Purdue Center for Regional Development and a Purdue Extension Community & Regional Economics Specialist. He holds an electronics engineering undergraduate degree, a master's in economic development, and a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration. Gallardo has worked with rural communities over the past decade conducting local & regional community economic development, including use of technology for development.
He has authored more than 70 articles including peer-reviewed and news-related regarding rural trends, socioeconomic analysis, industrial clusters, the digital divide, and leveraging broadband applications for community economic development. He is also the author of the book “Responsive Countryside: The Digital Age & Rural Communities”, which highlights a 21st century community development model that helps rural communities transition to, plan for, and prosper in the digital age. Dr. Gallardo is a TEDx speaker and his work has been featured in a WIRED magazine article, a MIC.com documentary, and a RFDTV documentary. He lives in West Lafayette with his wife and two daughters.