4- helen hambly odame, laxmi pant, cam mather · crossing boundaries how institutional and...

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!