Title: What is remote-rural and why is it important?

Authors: Sayed Abdul Majid Gilani; Naveed Yasin; Peter Duncan; Anne M.J. Smith

Addresses: Faculty of Management, Canadian University Dubai, Dubai, UAE ' Department of Creative Industries and Entrepreneurship, Canadian University Dubai, Dubai, UAE ' Department of Management and HRM, Glasgow School for Business and Society, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, Scotland, UK ' Department of Management and HRM, Glasgow School for Business and Society, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, Scotland, UK

Abstract: The discourse related to explaining the meaning of rural, particularly in contrast to urban areas, is well established and crucial for policy as well as other decision makers. However, it can be argued that not all rural can be classified as the same. In comparison to rural in general, the discussion related to the nature of 'remote-rural' is comparatively under-explored. The aim of this paper is to contribute towards the understanding of the concept as well as definitions related to remote-rural, particularly (but not exclusively) in a Scottish context. Based on a conceptual literature review, key findings in this paper are introduced in the form of five dimensions of rurality. This paper also proposes for policymakers to consider the concept of remote-rural while formulating policy to improve broadband adoption/use in isolated/remote areas in Scotland. The limitations of the study as well as avenues for future research are discussed in the final section.

Keywords: remote-rural; rural areas; isolated areas; rural classification and rural.

DOI: 10.1504/WREMSD.2024.140706

World Review of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development, 2024 Vol.20 No.5, pp.517 - 537

Received: 26 Jul 2021
Accepted: 20 Dec 2021
Published online: 02 Sep 2024 *

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