4- helen hambly odame, laxmi pant, cam mather · crossing boundaries how institutional and...
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Crossing BoundariesHow Institutional and Technological Innovation through Broadband
Deployment Stimulate Rural and Regional Development
Helen HamblyAssociate Professor University of Guelph
Laxmi Pant Post‐Doctoral ResearcherQueen’s University/ University of Guelph
Cam MatherPublisher, Aztext Press Owner/Farmer, Sunflower Farm CSA
Research Overview
• Focus on rural and regional innovation.
• Key broadband enabled innovations in rural southern Ontario.
• Results: broadband enabled innovations – esp. rise of multifunctional farms and rural livelihoods.
• Wrap‐up: emerging recommendations and areas of further research.
Rural Systems of Innovation
Source: Authors and adapted from Frenz and Oughton (2005)
Rural and Regional Systems of Innovation
Study identifies some key drivers of innovation
Results point to multi‐functionality as
essential to the system
Innovation benefits and gaps evident
Business Philosophy: “Anything for a Buck in the Middle of Nowhere”
Off‐grid living.
Alternative agriculture.
Digital publishing.
Bed and breakfast.
Lifestyle workshops.
And many more.
Satellite Internet A Game Changer!
Sunflower Farm, Tamworth, Ontario
Nature Care: Community Supported/Shared Agriculture
Nature Care: Green Energy
Another Example: Enabling Role of BroadbandBrighton, Ontario
Environmental stewardshipAgricultural biodiversity .No‐till farming.Biodegradable plastic mulch.Integrated pest management.Environmental Farm Plan.
Social responsibilityCorn maze.School tours.Pick your own.
Economic revitalizationFarm‐gate sale..Retail.
What’s Possible with Broadband Internet
Rural Routes database to interactive farm website.Monthly electronic newsletter.Social media engagement.Financial transaction.
Rural RenewalEnvironmental stewardship Land care.Nature care.
Social serviceChild careSenior carePatient care, e.g., PTSD.
Economic revitalization Multi‐functional farms.Business attraction/ retention.
Broadband a game changer!
Further Research: Broadband Enabled Innovation
Rural Decline, Free FallMigration/repulsion.Aging farm population, baby boomers.Limited access to essential services.
Research Gap
Thank you!