Delivering job search services in rural labour markets: the role of ICT

most disadvantaged. Finally, the potential for ICT to play a more prominent role, both in
terms of delivering formal services and widening access to social networks is examined.

Following this introduction, Part 2 of the paper discusses the potential benefits
offered by ICT in terms of providing services and extending social networks in rural and
other local labour markets. Part 3 then provides a brief description of the study areas and
methodology used for the research. Part 4 presents the main survey findings, and Part 5
draws conclusions and discusses areas for policy action.

ICT and social inclusion in rural areas: opportunities and limitations

ICT, service provision and social networks in rural areas

Rural areas are, by definition, affected by their relative peripherality from industrial and
population centres, and their dispersed patterns of economic and social activity
(McQuaid, 1997; Storgaard, 1998; Bryden and Bollman, 2000). The geographical
remoteness of many rural communities from major centres of economic activity clearly
affects the availability of public services, which tend to be concentrated in highly
populated areas of industrial development (Robinson, 2001). The scattered and sparsely
populated settlements which are typical of many rural areas also generate specific
practical and financial problems for public agencies charged with delivering services. The
potential benefits accruing from the use of remote, ICT-based services are therefore
particularly apparent in these more isolated rural communities, which are often
characterised by weak physical service infrastructures, and where other forms of
interaction can be expensive, time-consuming and (as a result) infrequent (Hudson, 1995,
2001; Zappacosta, 2001).

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