The MATTI project provides information on the effects of multi-locality and place-independence on sustainable rural knowledge economies

MDI is carrying out a research project in which the main objective is to provide information on the effects of multi-location and place-independence on the sustainable knowledge economy in rural areas.

The aim of the Multi-Location, Location Independence and Rural Information Economy (MATTI) project is to produce an overview of the current state of knowledge-intensive service activities and their promotion across rural Finland. The project also explores the effects of multi-location and location independence, i.e., teleworking, commuting, and the development of location-independent work and entrepreneurship on sustainable rural information economies. In addition, various new ways to promote multi-location and location-independent knowledge work and entrepreneurship in rural areas will also be identified and proposed.

MDI implements the research project in cooperation with Norrum Oy. The data collection methods of the study include the analysis of existing data (qualitative data as well as quantitative statistical data), thematic interviews, an electronic survey, workshops and a case study. Qualitative and quantitative methods as well as scenario analyses are used as the analysis methods of the study. The implementation of the project will take place from August 2021 to December 2022.

The project is funded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry based on the proposal of a project group set up by the Rural Policy Council, with funds from Makera’s national rural research and development projects.