Partnership to create global institute to help transition rural communities into digital age

The Intelligent Community Forum, a non-profit aimed at improving digital access in municipalities, has partnered with the Mississippi State University Extension Service to create a global institute to help revive the state's rural communities through technology, CivSource reports. A similar program is located at Walsh University in North Canton, Ohio.

Roberto Gallardo, an associate extension professor at MSU, "said Mississippi will become a focal point for a worldwide effort designed to capitalize on the many opportunities and challenges rural communities face when transitioning to and planning for the digital age," CivSource reports. The institute will concentrate on a wide range of issues, including telemedicine, broadband access and economic development. (Read more)