Determinant factors of individuals’ decision to emigrate in rural Spain: The role of ICT-based public policies

Depopulation is a dramatic problem in rural inland Spain. The present study draws on a survey administered to inhabitants of rural areas to analyse the factors influencing the decision to emigrate to larger centres of population, with a special focus on the impact of ICT-based public policies. The findings show that size of municipality, age and education affect the intention to emigrate. It is found that the digital divide in terms of quality of ICT access has not, in many cases, been overcome, having an effect on citizen satisfaction. To guide public actions, we identify population profiles depending on both level of satisfaction with ICT development and preference towards specific ICT-related public policy measures intended to combat depopulation. We also find that most individuals continue to think that improving investment in ICT infrastructures should be a priority of public policy, compared to more advanced measures such as bolstering e-government.