Preventing depopulation by improving technological endowment: A methodology for identifying priority municipalities

Abstract

During the 20th century, European cities experimented with industrialization processes and the mechanization of agriculture that triggered the rural-urban exodus. A primarily young population left their rural territories of origin to work in cities in the industrial and service sectors. These massive migratory movements catalyzed the depopulation and aging in many rural regions of Europe. Spain, where the great exodus occurred in the 1960s and 1970s, is one of the European countries most affected by depopulation. Significantly, the region of Castilla y León, in the northwest of the country, due to its orographic characteristics and the dispersion of its population in many small municipalities, has been and still is especially vulnerable to the loss of inhabitants in favor of large cities, converting a large part of its territory in an excellent example of demographic desert. The article's objective is twofold: First, to provide a methodology to identify municipalities or geographic areas at risk of digital exclusion and subject to substantial demographic imbalances. Consequently, based on the proposed methodology, to prioritize the areas of Castilla y León where to act to try to reverse the situation. Thus, this study goes beyond previous research. It provides a comprehensive view that integrates demographic and technological aspects. As a result, a specific methodology is proposed, which also connects the above with the European context and policies. Identifying and prioritizing areas for technological improvement in Castilla y León represent a valuable contribution to addressing the challenge of rural depopulatio