Boosting rural digital ecosystems through new combinatorial knowledge dynamics

The paper explores rural digital ecosystems, focusing on the role of digital technologies in boosting the transition toward sustainable development in rural areas. Drawn on the theoretical perspective of the entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem, the paper provides a definition of digital rural and agricultural business ecosystem (DRABE), and analyses the role of digital technologies in shaping new knowledge dynamics and influencing innovation ecosystems in rural areas. New combinatorial knowledge dynamics as engine for adopting digital solution within a building process of sustainable rural development is at the basis of an empirical analysis, grounded on the Pollica case study. Results point out a virtuous circle triggered by the adoption of digital solutions within a context of sustainable rural development, boosting new relational configurations and new territorial proximities. The emerging DRABE confirms the dynamic perspective of this rural innovation ecosystem and address policymixes leading to more sustainable rural development and fostering digital innovation in rural areas.