Contenu du sommaire : Espaces ruraux et technologie de l'information

The development of the Information Highway (IH) poses many questions about the representation of social organisation. Among these, the representation of ruralHy is particularly destined to be redefined in relation with the dominant imaginary. This promotes more the ideas of universalism, internationalism and the globalism of the city than the tradionalism of the rural reference. Our paper explores this phenomenon, particularly the construction and the expression (in discourse) of this imaginary in Quebec society. Basing our arguments on a conceptual framework. positioning the IH inside a socio-spatial reference, we pose some questions about the possible integration of these different imaginaries, their impacts on the rural identity and the potential of society to integrate them.

Web sites are increasingly used to represent rural territories. Producing a typology of theses sites is not easy both in terms of the webmasters and the geographical areas in which the sites operate. Individuals, firms, and local authorities have all set up sites, leading to a certain confusion. Personal sites have a prime purpose of identifying the individual and often have a strong link with regionalism. Public sector sites, however, are much more ambitious : to reinforce and to promote the identity of a territory, particularly with respect to external actors ; to facilite communication between local actors ; to provide a local data base available for on-line consultation. The creation of an 'entry point' into the local territory has become an essential element of development strategies. However, local decision makers are faced with two types of theoretical and technical problems. First, those which are specific to this new tool : difficulties associated with defining the domain, the location of the server and the conception and structure of the site. Second, those related to the spatial field of application. The creation of territorial 'entry points' corresponds dosely with the definition of 'pays' as spatial units, a process in the Rhône-Alpes region closely linked with the negotiation of 'global development contracts'. It is at this stage that problems emerge of adapting this new tool to fluctuating spatial divisions, which are often redundant, and subject to political tensions. Consequently, the creation of gateway sites, as a result of their central position at the heart of the local information system, may have considerable repercussions on the restructuring of territories.

The emergence of an information society leads to reflexion on its effects on the location of economic activities. Until recently, there were few empirical studies on the use of information and communication technologies between and within firms. These questions are examined in relation to the region of East Bade-Wurttemberg. The research shows that if firms are increasingly using internet, this utilisation remains embryonic. Three themes are developed : the motivation of firms to use internet ; the importance of the firm's environment in this decision ; and the geographical impact of the use of internet. The area studied covers about 450,000 inhabitants and is both rural and urban in character. One of the principal conclusions of this study is the virtual absence of regional disparities in the use of internet.

It is comonly accepted that the emergence of information and communication technologies is capable of modifying the traditional location factors of firms. However, the example of the Monts du Lyonnais and Beaujolais regions provides contrasting evidence on this question. In the northern sector of Thizy and Amplepuis the relatively dense industrial structure consists of traditional activities such as textiles. These firms are progressively adopting new technologies, although without any obvious territorial dimension. The Leader 2 project of the Monts du Beaujolais based on the creation of a web site is aimed at structuring the territory and inducing an overall process of development. In the canton of St-Laurent-de- Chamousset, an elitist conception of local development has been adopted with the ambitious projects of the Axone incubator for innovative firms and the ERASME multi-media centre, which heads a departmental network for evolving educational applications. The difficulties experienced by local firms in exploiting the potential of ERASME show, however, that the concept of a digital industrial territory is still a long way from reality.

A response to the worrying question of the future of depressed rural areas seems to have been found over recent years through the use of information and communication technologies. It seems natural, therefore, to reflect on the conditions in which this form of territorial development takes place. In this context, over the last 15 years, the rural canton of St- Laurent-de-IMeste (in the department of Hautes- Pyrénées) has experienced a major reorganisation inspired by a strong political will. The process was first characterised by restructuring with the development of the territory, and then by reorientation with the creation of a multi-media centre and a small-firm incubator. Study of these experiences shows a twofold process of appropriation, linked on the one hand to the creation of a local culture of information and communication technologies and on the other to the integration of innovative forms of communication in a project of territorial development. Apart from the encouraging results obtained at St- Laurent-de-Neste, the question of 'information and communication technologies and territories' invites reflexion on the possibilities of modelling this experience and of its reproduction.

This paper addresses several key questions relating to the relationship between Information and Communications Technology and rural development in the context of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. Specifically, it assesses the perceived development problems of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland and the role which Information and Communications Technology is expected to play in addressing these problems. It further examines the logic of public intervention and the role of public policy in this respect. It assesses the evidence that investment in Information and Communications technology has positive impacts on development in this region. Finally, it asks what new research is needed to improve our understanding of the relationships and processes involved.

The paper critically assesses the potential role of call centres in the economic development of rural places. Using a case study of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, it argues that call centres can make a valuable, though limited, contribution towards rural economic development, principally through the creation of additional employment opportunities and the stimulation of new skills and competencies. It is suggested that the development of such centres could form a part of wider rural economic development policy. It is also argued, however, that it would be dangerous for rural areas to become over-reliant on employment in this sector. In particular questions are raised concerning the long- term viability of employment in the sector.

In the Atlantic Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador and in New Zealand, new educational structures for the delivery of education to rural students have been developed. By linking small rural schools with one another through the Internet and other technologies, teaching and curriculum resources can be shared and, accordingly, educational opportunities for young people are enhanced. An outcome of the construction of digital intranets and, within these, the creation of virtual classes in both Canada and New Zealand has been an extension of the range of subjects that can be provided in small schools in rural communities. In selected sites in rural Newfoundland, students have been able to study University-level Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology and Physics within virtual classes in a digital intranet while attending schools in their small communities. In rural New Zealand, the range of subjects available to students in rural communities in which schools interface with one another to share resources has been considerably expanded. In both countries, these new educational structures have enhanced educational opportunities for people whose homes are located well beyond major centres of population.