User engagement

Users are integral to Digital Economy research and at dot.rural they have been involved with our activities since the outset. A series of Agenda Setting Workshops held in the autumn of 2009 helped to shape the Hub's research agenda by discussing rural challenges and the potential for digital technologies to impact on society.

Interaction with users has continued through user panels - one per rural challenge area, the Hub steering committee, and direct participation in project activities. Organisations are involved in project advisory groups, provide access to data, and support surveys and trials. Individuals regularly participate in focus groups, interviews, surveys and technology trials; in addition, some have been trained as community researchers.