The literature about digitalization in agriculture and rural areas is vast and sectorial at the same time. Both international political institutions and practitioners are interested in promoting digital technology, indicating and describing potential benefits and risks. Meanwhile, academics analyze the actual and possible impacts of digital technologies by using case studies. However, the extensive literature makes it challenging to derive a comprehensive synthesis of the possible impacts that digital technologies are and might generate in the rural domains. In the given context, the present work aims at contributing to the construction of a framework providing a first classification of the digital technologies’ impacts to use in both research and a political agenda.

This paper offers a comprehensive critical review on digitalisation in rural areas, drawing on international and EU policies, scientific and grey literature and real-life examples from two European H2020 research projects. In doing so, it aims at providing a basic conceptual framework encompassing three main intervention areas, with relative sub-themes, identified as relevant for rural areas, namely: the rural digital divide, the attractiveness of rural areas and opportunities for strengthening local governance. For each of these broad themes, the role of digital tools is explored and supported by case study examples providing valuable insights and real-life applications in rural settings.

This chapter delves into cultured meat and fish dynamics and evolving field. From a literature review, it explores the terminology used and the information provisions, specifically those for consumers and businesses (Business to Consumer, B2C and Business to Business, B2B). A comparative analysis of the relevant legislation, particularly concerning information and labelling in the European Union, the United States of America and Singapore, focuses on the regulatory frameworks necessary to trade and market cultured meat and fish. It offers points for reflection that contributes to the broader discourse on the future of food, regulation, consumer choices and transparency in trade, providing insights for researchers, policymakers and industry stakeholders.