Digitalization of Rural Areas – Bulgarian Case Study

This paper investigates the environment for digital transformation in rural areas of Bulgaria with a special focus on the digital village concept. Rural regions form the backbone of society and face unique challenges that include depopulation, an agеing population, and limited access to modern services. Despite extensive studies on digitalization in urban areas, rural areas have received less attention in the scientific literature. This paper addresses this gap by exploring the potential of digital technologies to revitalize rural communities and by assessing whether the digital village model can offer a viable solution for sustainable rural development. The research uses a mixed methodology combining quantitative analysis of statistical data with qualitative evaluations of policy initiatives and local conditions. Two primary research questions guide the study: first, what is the current environment for digitalization in Bulgarian rural areas, and second, is the digital village concept an applicable model for digital transformation in these regions? The findings reveal that while significant infrastructural and educational challenges remain, there is an encouraging trend in digital literacy and policy support. Moreover, improvements in digital infrastructure and targeted training initiatives indicate that rural areas have untapped potential for digital growth. The study contributes to the field by providing a comprehensive framework that synthesizes the key factors affecting rural digital transformation and by offering practical recommendations for policymakers and community stakeholders. The findings results imply that with targeted investments and strategic planning, the digital village concept could play a pivotal role in enhancing economic activity, social inclusion, and overall quality of life in rural areas of Bulgaria.