Digitization in Austrian small-town regions: opportunities and risks for spatial planning and development

Abstract

The digitization of our society continues to progress, which comes with implications for cities and regions. This paper reviews the existing literature on digitization and spatial development. It then identifies the potentially concerned sectors of spatial development through re-interpreting the basic ‘functions of existence’ in the light of digitization. Expert interviews in three selected Austrian small-town regions inform the outcome of the paper: an extensive list of opportunities and risks through digitization in the fields of mobility, economy, tourism, environment, social infrastructure, local governance and planning.