Lytras, MiltiadisAnna VisviziGyörgy Mudri2023-05-212023-05-212019-06-03978-1-78769-846-8https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-78769-845-120191013http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14131/841Set against the backdrop of a process that swipes across the world, that is, rapid urbanization coupled with depopulation of rural areas, the objective of this volume was to ignite a discussion on the future of villages, and especially on the wellbeing of its citizens. Captured by the powerful concept of smart villages (Visvizi & Lytras, 2018a), the imperative behind this volume was to engage the leading scholars, think-tankers, policy advocates, civil servants and, indeed, policy-makers in a discussion centered around the question of what we can do together to navigate the daunting implications of depopulation of villages across the European Union (EU) and beyond. Throughout the book, the implications of progressing depopulation of rural areas have been discussed. At the same time a variety of viable recommendations and feasible policy actions meant to alleviate the situation have been suggested.ICT