Project details

The DigiBeL project is dedicated to a relatively new thematic field. It is funded within the framework of the research announcement 'Rural areas in times of digitalisation' of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture. The aim is to analyse how digital methods are used in processes of rural regional development and to find out how analogue and digital formats and methods can be combined sensibly and efficiently. The effects of digitisation and mediatisation on communication methods, social organisation and institutions in rural regional development processes will be investigated.

For this purpose, four to six regional development processes in different regions of Germany will be accompanied as case studies, covering different types of processes such as LEADER, integrated rural development or model regions within the federal 'Rural Upswing' programme and different thematic foci such as economy and infrastructure, nature and environment, or demography, social issues and participation. In addition to the case studies, practices from other regions are also covered by an online survey. The findings will result in action and policy recommendations for strengthening the effectiveness of rural regional development processes.

For more information and news, you can visit our project website and download our project flyer here (in German).