Defining 'smart rural' in the framework of regional digitalisation

In this paper, we explored how a smart development framework could be harnessed for enhancing small and medium enterprise (SME) activities in rural communities. With this aim, this study considered and compared the landscape of the SME ecosystems in Ghana and Finland. Alongside with the deprived countryside or remote work context, it has become clear that the contemporary digital platforms and collaborative media represent an integral part in smart development. In addition, remote working possibilities help tackle the challenging times or even state of emergency, such as the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. We created our Smart rural development model (SRDm) to facilitate digital transformation of the SMEs and strategies in peripheral settings. Our SRDm was developed from the exploration of smart development literature in regional settings, and filtering numerous initiatives utilised within digitalisation and SMEs development context. The key target groups who can benefit from our research endeavour are the various strategic development organisations, financing authorities and of course regional stakeholders, policymakers, business clusters, SMEs and individuals.