Objective: In recent years, rural digital hubs have emerged as platforms capable of fostering the long-term sustainable development of villages by leveraging digital capabilities. However, in Iran, the lack of awareness about these centers has hindered their full potential from being realized.
Methods: This study aims to identify the factors and conditions influencing the adoption of digital innovation hubs in rural areas. To achieve this, a qualitative approach was employed, specifically using the grounded theory research strategy, to develop a framework for understanding the factors affecting the adoption of rural digital hubs. The study focuses on villages in Kurdistan Province. Data were collected through interviews with academic experts, government officials, and activists from non-governmental organizations, and analyzed using MAXQDA software.
Results: The findings are presented across the five dimensions of grounded theory. The study identifies:
- Causal conditions: "Economic and socio-cultural shortcomings."
- Contextual conditions: "Infrastructure, village structural characteristics, and demographic composition."
- Intervening conditions: "Lack of policy integration, inefficient rural management, and speculative economic practices."
- Strategies: "Identification of capacities, functions of digital hub centers, and pre-training initiatives."
- Outcomes: "Cultural-social development, economic development, and enhanced political acumen."
Conclusion: By identifying the conditions influencing the adoption of these digital platforms, this study provides a foundation for designing and implementing effective policies to unlock the potential of rural digital hubs.
