D. Clark et al., TELEMATICS AND RURAL BUSINESSES - AN EVALUATION OF USES, POTENTIALS AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS, Regional studies, 29(2), 1995, pp. 171-180
This paper examines the implications of developments in telematics (te
lecommunications and information technology) for rural businesses and
rural economic development. The characteristics of businesses in south
Warwickshire and north Lancashire, their awareness and use of telemat
ics, and their problems, are analysed by means of questionnaire survey
data. Businesses are overwhelmingly very small, independent, privatel
y-owned and single-site concerns. They make extensive use of telephone
and fax services but little use of data and conferencing teleservices
. The reasons for use are explored. Many firms experience problems of
cashflow, lack of demand, personnel recruitment and time management. T
hey also have training and marketing needs. The ways in which telemati
cs can help firms and so further the achievement of rural development
policies are identified and evaluated.