Data and Emerging Technologies for Digital Transformation in Rural Economies
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Online
Data and Emerging Technologies for Digital Transformation in Rural Economies
15 June–10 July 2026
The course is available in English
Introduction to the course
Data powers development and is the fuel of emerging technologies which are the driving the global digital revolution and redefining the global future. Data offers a range of new opportunities to break down existing barriers to economic development and social inclusion and to help achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Emerging technologies are reshaping how agricultural value chains operate, how rural enterprises access markets, how workers acquire skills, and how capital is allocated. Yet digital transformation does not automatically generate employment, inclusion, or sustainable growth. Without deliberate strategy, it can reinforce inequalities, concentrate value, and exclude small-scale actors. As a response to both the promise and the challenges of digital transformation in rural economies in the Global South, the International Training Centre of the ILO (ITCILO) developed the "Data and Emerging Technologies for Digital Transformation in Rural Economies", an online course focusing on how data can leverage initiatives to put emerging technologies into practice for sustainable rural development, aiming to bridge the digital divide by ensuring no one is left behind in the current landscape. While emerging technologies hold immense potential for boosting productivity and improving livelihoods, their benefits have so far been concentrated in large-scale and high-income settings, which is a key barrier to the effective development and use of emerging technologies at a local level. This course relies on data principles and on emerging technologies to leverage local data and innovation for inclusive growth in rural areas, contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals and social justice in rural communities.
Who attends this course?
This course is designed to: - the ILO's tripartite constituents; - data and emerging technology experts; - policymakers involved in rural development; - policymakers involved in ITC and Infrastructure; - practitioners from development partner agencies and international organizations; - social innovators and entrepreneurs; and - academia and members of civil society organizations engaged in addressing critical questions around data and emerging technologies in rural development.
Objetives
This online course on “Data and Emerging Technologies for Digital Transformation in Rural Economies” is designed to address critical questions around data and AI in rural development:
- Strengthen data producers’ capabilities, so they become digitally empowered economic agents.
- Structure responsible data markets, so data flows create shared value.
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Design enabling environments that foster inclusive rural markets, mobilize capital, and govern digital transformation.
This course aims to ensure that digitalization becomes a driver of productive employment and inclusive development, rural transformation. It will focus on inclusive data collection and use and explore how citizen-generated data and other non-traditional sources are being integrated into existing systems to ensure that data also reflects the realities of marginalized communities, while emphasizing the importance of investing in data and infrastructure to benefit rural economies in the Global South.
By approaching digital transformation as a systemic process — one that simultaneously empowers local economic actors and equips institutions to shape enabling markets, participants will be better equipped to advocate for stronger support and funding for digital transformation in rural and bring to work a clearer vision of how to leverage technology while safeguarding equity and social justice for rural populations.
A glance at course
Data and Emerging Technologies for Digital Transformation in Rural Economies will focus on:
- Data and Emerging Technology Principles
- How data can power sustainable initiatives, strengthen innovation ecosystems, and create more and better opportunities in rural economies.
- Highlighting practical approaches to applying AI-driven and other emerging solutions at the local level.
- Reflect on challenges of scaling data-driven initiatives and engage in a foresight exercise to envision future opportunities.
- Align digital transformation with employment and skills development strategies.
By exploring data principles, case studies, and practical tools, participants will learn how to harness local data and emerging technologies to foster inclusive rural development and bridge the digital divide, ensuring that the benefits of the digital revolution contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and social justice in rural communities.
Training Methodology
This course is offered fully online through the ITCILO e-Campus platform for 4 weeks. Furthermore, once a week one online webinar will provide a direct contact with experts from the industry and an additional opportunity for engaging with experts and peers.
Each module combines online materials, one weekly webinar delivered by experts and ITCILO facilitators and offline learning activities to allow participants dive deeper into each topic and share with their peers.
To receive the certification, participants need to complete and participate in at least 80% of the proposed activities in a satisfactory manner on the ITCILO’s eCampus.
Module 1: Data for Digital Rural Development
- Understanding the digital rural economy
- Data principles: availability, accessibility, quality, and inclusiveness
- The data spectrum: from conventional to innovative data sources for tech innovation
- Exploring the digital divide and its impact on rural economies in the Global South
Module 2: Emerging Technologies for Rual Development
- Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (and other emerging technologies)
- AI and Emerging Technologies applications for rural development
- Case studies of technology applications in agriculture, health, and rural services
Module 3: Digital Transformation as a Systemic Shift
- Digitalization of rural value chains
- Digital public infrastructure
- Data ecosystems & governance
- Implications of rural digital markets
Module 4: From Data to Impact
- Linking data-driven solutions to the Sustainable Development Goals
- Strengthening local innovation capacity and addressing barriers to adoption
- Challenges on scaling
How to apply
Applicants are kindly asked to send us a completed online registration form: https://oarf2.itcilo.org/DST/A9719227/en
Practical Information
Language: The course will be delivered in English.
Course Fees: Tuition: €1,055
Certificate: After successfully participating in at least 80% of the sessions and its activities, participants obtain an official ITCILO Certificate of Participation in Digital Credentials Format.
Contact: For further information, please email digitransform@itcilo.org
INFO
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT DEVINVEST
International Training Centre of the ILO
Viale Maestri del Lavoro, 10
10127 Turin – Italy
Tel.: +39 011 693 6357
Email: digitransform@itcilo.org
