The effects of multi-local and place independence on the rural information economy, MATTI project

MDI carries out a research project in which the main objective is to provide information on the effects of multi-locality and place independence on a sustainable knowledge economy in rural areas.The aim of the project is also to produce an overview of the current state of knowledge-intensive service activities and their promotion in rural Finland. The project also explores the effects of multi-location and place independence, such as telecommuting and the development of place independent work and entrepreneurship, on a sustainable rural information economy. In addition, the study identifies current and proposes new ways to promote multi-local and place independent knowledge work and entrepreneurship in rural areas. MDI carries out the study in cooperation with Norrum Oy. The study will include the analysis of existing data (qualitative and quantitative), thematic interviews, a survey, workshops and a case study. Project implementation will take place from August 2021 to December 2022.

The project was funded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry on the proposal of a project group set up by the Rural Policy Council, with financing from the Rural Development Fund’s national rural research and development projects.