TELEMATICS AND RURAL BUSINESSES - AN EVALUATION OF USES, POTENTIALS AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS

This paper examines the implications of developments in telematics (telecommunications 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 telematics, and their problems, are analysed by means of questionnaire survey data. Businesses are overwhelmingly very small, independent, privately-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. They also have training and marketing needs. The ways in which telematics can help firms and so further the achievement of rural development policies are identified and evaluated.