Introduction
| Purpose | Maps
| Scope
| Finding
the Data | Summary
Why Make a Map of the Network and
Users?
Change
No place in the United States is
exempt from the changes being brought about by the Information
Revolution. The economy of the entire world is undergoing
a major structural transformation that is taking place
faster than the historic changes which occurred in the
Industrial Revolution.
Viability
Rural communities
are no exception to this global revolution. In order
for rural communities to remain vibrant, livable communities
with a sound economic base, they too must embrace the
challenges that are being put forth by the information
age. Communities that do not meet these challenges may
share a fate similar to those Industrial Age communities
that were bypassed by railroads and highways.
Economic Development
Technology alone will
not bring about job creation, but it can be an important
catalyst. With adequate information technology, rural
communities can establish, expand, or recruit a wider
range of businesses offering goods and services to larger
urban markets. Rural communities can use the advantages
of quality of life, attractive natural environments,
and lower land and labor costs to improve their local
economies once the disadvantages of distance and small
market size are reduced by information technology.
Introduction | Purpose | Maps
| Scope
| Finding
the Data | Summary
|
