Rural Areas Interested in Knowledge-Based Economy

Rural population is more and more interested in information technology and communications, according to a recent IRSOP survey, which indicates that 82% of the rural residents aged between 16 and 65 want to use computers, while 47% are ready to make an effort to learn how to use the Internet. The survey was conducted in June-July 2008 in information-disadvantaged communities included in the Knowledge-Based Economy project of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology."The project Knowledge-Based Economy is a major project that requires cooperation with local authorities in 255 communities. That is why we are careful to associate the major steps of our work with measurement and control tools, such as the survey we are releasing today. Its results have confirmed that, although modern technology is still relatively far from the daily agenda of rural inhabitants, it is acknowledged as an important vector of personal and professional accomplishment," said Diana Voicu, Director of the Project Management Unit of the Ministry. The project is implemented in 208 large villages and 47 small towns across the country, where computers, copiers and broadband internet solutions have been rolled-out. The local town halls have provided necessary space and are lending workforce for this project. The survey was performed in June - July 2008 on a sample of 1,075 persons aged between 16 and 65, representative for the population of 1,800,000 inhabitants, which are in the target of the project. Of them, 59% perceive knowledge (understood as good knowledge of IT&C technology) as a factor of personal progress as well as community progress. In their opinion, the use of IT&C is good for solving daily problems (53%), business (46%), professional improvement (40%), but also for education (59%), administration (42%) and community development (34%).