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40% of respondents to a European Commission consultation on life in rural areas said they felt left behind, rising to 60% in remote rural areas. It highlighted common challenges related to ageing, depopulation and skills and labour shortages. The importance of available, affordable and accessible high-quality digital infrastructure was reiterated constantly, while building a stronger culture of social and technological innovation in rural areas emerged as a need and an opportunity. 

It is clear that new ways of thinking are needed to reinvigorate rural areas and especially to attract and retain young digitally minded citizens. The Interreg Europe project EDIN unites seven regions around Europe that think they have identified part of the solution: digital nomads.  

What are digital nomads? 

“Within EDIN, digital nomads are defined as highly qualified professionals from high value-added sectors (such as IT, design, consulting, etc.) capable of working from anywhere as long as they have internet access”, explains Nour Al-Hussen and Xoan Vázquez Mao from the Atlantic Axis of Peninsular Northwest in the region of Galicia (Spain), the lead partner of EDIN. 

“We have also identified other figures linked to this concept, such as remote workers. Due to its novelty and the current global context, the concept of digital nomads is a dynamic and evolving concept that can transform into other forms, whose definition will depend on factors such as relocation and length of stay.” 

Benefits for regions 

Europe has embraced digital nomads, with 9 out of the top 10 countries for relocation being European nations, many of which offer specific visas or tax arrangements. But the rise of the digital nomad has not been without its critics. Some say it can lead to segregation between nomads and long-term residents, potentially fuelling gentrification and pricing out locals.  

Nour is convinced that carefully targeted programmes can result in benefits across the board. “Within EDIN, we distinguish two specific areas where digital nomads can bring benefits: first, in rural areas suffering demographic decline, and second, in tourist areas. Digital nomads can provide an immediate injection of skills and talent in areas that are losing them, can reinforce local services, and can boost economic activity in the off-season in tourist areas due to longer stays.” 

With digital nomads being, by definition, transient, does their presence also result in long-term benefits for regions? Nour believes so: “Digital nomads increase the critical population mass, helping regenerate demographically affected areas or low-season tourist spots.”  

They can also directly and indirectly support skills development in rural areas. “Digital nomads share digital skills with businesses, organisations and communities and promote collaborative projects, workshops, and community activities where they transfer digital competencies. They boost local business networks through new activities and projects: coworking spaces become hubs for meetings, training, and mentorship.” 

Attracting digital nomads 

Regions can put in place measures to attract and keep digital nomads and EDIN partners have identified several good practices from the seven participating regions: 

• The Donegal Working Holiday campaign is an example of targeted regional marketing, promoting the county as a remote work destination and providing free coworking passes at digital hubs. It resulted in a significant increase in extended stays and regional return on investment. 

• Santa Fiora Smart Village (Tuscany) focuses on digital infrastructure provision, transforming the village into a community-driven ‘smart’ village with high-speed internet and a co-working facility. The measures resulted in an improved quality of life for residents, economic revitalisation and the attraction of new talent. The village is now a destination for large companies as an off-site proposition for their staff. 

• Cowork in Small Places is a funding programme established by Møre and Romsdal County Council (Norway) to establish coworking spaces in small population centres. The program successfully supported the creation of attractive co-working spaces in rural areas, encouraging more people to live and work in these small communities. 

Here to stay? 

The digital transition is likely to further increase the possibility of remote work and digital nomadism in the coming years. Careful analysis and exchange of experience are vital to help regions adapt to and benefit from these trends.  

Nour: “A key legacy of EDIN is to expand our understanding of digital nomads - their profiles, needs and motivations – in order to promote sustainable and replicable strategies. We believe digital nomads can contribute to more vibrant, digitalised rural communities with diversified economies, but we mustn't neglect community connection and social engagement, policies should also foster the integration of nomads into local activities.”