Call for papers/Appels de communications: Connecting the Future: Rural Broadband Technology, Policy and Impact

Source: The Monieson Centre at Queen's School of Business.
September 19-20, 2012 Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Connecting the Future: Rural Broadband Technology, Policy and Impact is an international conference addressing leading-edge advancements in broadband development, with relevance to rural communities around the globe.

It will advance the broadband research agenda by exploring:

* Policy, including financing models for broadband as an infrastructure investment,
* Technology, including next generation broadband technology and innovative applications of ICT for rural regions, and
* Economics and community, including the economic and social impacts of broadband expansion on rural communities.

It will create dialogue between international researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders through research presentations, discussion panels, and networking events. As a joint, academic-practitioner event, it will both promote new research and provide opportunities for knowledge mobilization.

The event will further explore the Eastern Ontario Regional Network (EORN), a $200-million initiative to provide broadband service to 95% of rural Eastern Ontario, as a globally relevant case study of forward thinking approaches to broadband investment. The regional approach employed in this milestone infrastructure investment, which draws on funding from multiple government tiers and private-sector partners, creates a model for communities around the world.

Accordingly, the conference objectives are to:

* Generate international discussion around the future of rural broadband
* Highlight innovative and effective policymaking strategies for ICT infrastructure development
* Advance research on the social and economic impacts of broadband investment
* Showcase emerging technologies and innovations for rural broadband delivery
* Share findings of models and strategies for public-private partnerships (PPPs) and multi-tier, regional collaborations for infrastructure investment
* Create opportunities for long-term research partnerships between researchers, government, and business for the ongoing assessment of broadband impacts in Eastern Ontario
* Discover opportunities for global research collaborations and sharing of lessons learned
* Engage students in broadband impact assessment research

Call for Papers
The Monieson Centre at Queen's School of Business invites abstract submissions on any of the following, or related, themes:

1. Policy

* Funding models for broadband infrastructure
* Public-private partnerships (PPPs)
* Rural broadband pricing
* Land-use issues
* Engagement of aboriginal and minority populations

2. Technology

*Technological innovations and solutions, including: Fibre-optic technologies, Satellite technology, Mobile broadband
* Broadband adoption issues such as public Internet access; barriers to broadband adoption; digital literacy
* Broadband access issues

3. Economics & Community

Economic impacts of broadband, including:

* Entrepreneurial growth
* Job creation
* Access to markets
* Econometric modeling of economic impacts (e.g., input-output modeling, regression analysis)

Social impacts of broadband, including:

* Educational impacts
* Government service delivery
* E-health
* Social networks
* Political activism and participation
* Population retention

Abstract Submissions

Abstracts must be submitted to monieson@business.queensu.ca by 5pm, EST, Apr. 15, 2012. Abstracts should be limited to 750 words. Applicants will be advised of adjudication results by May 15, 2012.

The review panel welcomes research from all countries. Research proposals should address issues related to rural broadband, but may also address broadband issues related to small urban and remote contexts, as well as urban-rural interactions.

Papers presented at the conference will subsequently be published in a conference compendium. Final, completed papers are due Aug. 31, 2012.

Conference Partners

* Ontario Ministries of Government Services; Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs; and Economic Development and Innovation
* Eastern Ontario Wardens' Caucus

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Studies/Études : Developing and Revitalizing Rural Communities through Arts and Culture

Source: Small Cities Imprint.
"Rural/small communities are facing a time of transition. They are re-envisioning and repositioning themselves through diversifying their economic base, enhancing quality of life, and reinventing themselves for new functions and roles. Issues of retaining and engaging youth, attracting new residents and businesses, and maintaining community vitality and identity overarch these efforts."

"There is awareness that with many traditional resource-based industries in jeopardy, rural communities must look to develop not only new sources of wealth, but a new sense of self, and this is where arts and culture can play a key role in community sustainability. Arts, culture, and heritage are increasingly viewed not only as amenities to improve the quality of life, but as a foundation upon which the future of these rural/small communities rests. In this context, this paper presents a broad overview of key themes in the literature on cultural development in rural and small communities, based on a review of Canadian and international projects and publications."

Read full study.

WWW: http://smallcities.tru.ca

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Studies/Études : Divergent Paths in Regional Economic Development: A Tale of Two Festival Towns

Source: Small Cities Imprint.
"This study compares how two small communities in rural settings tried to promote sustained economic development by capitalizing on local music festivals."

"Merritt, British Columbia, Canada, home to a large country music event, focused on place branding, marketing, and related entertainment initiatives. Hultsfred, Sweden, in contrast, used its iconic rock festival to create a year-round music industry cluster called RockCity."

The study argues that "the alternative strategies reflect fundamental differences in economic development policies and governance structures." It subsequently "question whether RockCity-like cluster initiatives are possible in the Canada without coordinated tools and programs for supporting cultural industries in small communities."

Read full study.

WWW: http://smallcities.tru.ca/

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Thesis/Thèse : Rural routes: place–based music education in two rural Canadian communities

Source: Queen‘s University.
"The purpose of this research study was to profile exemplary rural music programs, examining how their components and contexts contributed to a deep sense of place for students, teachers, and the community."

"By examining these programs through interview, observational, and questionnaire data, the conditions that support these programs and the perceptions of stakeholders were garnered in order to create a rich view of music education programs that could inform the development of high-quality music programs in other rural communities."

Julia Elaine Brook. 2001. Rural routes: place–based music education in two rural Canadian communities. Faculty of Education. Queen‘s University.

Read the full document.

WWW: http://qspace.library.queensu.ca/

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Events/Événements : Creative Rural Economy: From Theory to Practice

Source: The Monieson Centre
The innovation and knowledge-based economy has become a major driver of economic growth in urban areas around the world. As a result, the roles of cities and regions in a global economy are being redefined and reshaped. The transformation that is emerging is as significant and as challenging as the transformation made from agriculture to industry. Most significant, is the move away from jobs based on physical activity or repetitive tasks to ones that require analytical skills and judgement.

While cities play an important role in this shifting economy, there is growing evidence of the impact that a creative economy can occur in suburban, small town and rural communities. These studies form the basis from which rural and northern Ontario communities can work towards building stronger, more vibrant and dynamic creative economies independently and through collaborative efforts. This conference will focus on how the theory of the creative economy can be experienced in practice in rural Ontario communities.


Conference / Venue Information:
June 14, 2011, Queen's University
June 15-16, 2011, Prince Edward County

For more information, contact monieson@business.queensu.ca or visit http://business.queensu.ca/centres/monieson/events/creative_rural_economy-from_theory_to_practice.php

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Reports/Rapports: Harvesting the Rural Creative Economy

Source: The Monieson Centre, Queen's School of Business.

The creative economy is generating interest amongst rural communities as a strategy for economic diversification.

Over the last decade, the work of Richard Florida on the creative economy has captured the attention of policy-makers and stimulated vibrant debate in academic research. At the heart of Florida’s creative economy is the argument that economic growth is now dependent on the talent of a ‘creative class’ who innovate and create new ideas, new technologies, and/or creative output. This paper explores the developing theory behind the creative economy as an economic driver, and its implications for rural communities.

Report

WWW: http://www.easternontarioknowledge.ca/

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Event/Événement : Fostering Entrepreneurship in the Creative Economy Conference

Source: The Monieson Centre
This innovative and interactive forum will provide academics, business community representatives and economic developers with opportunities to debate ideas, examine theory, present research findings and exchange experiences in order to emerge with a refined understanding of the rural creative economy.The Monieson Centre at Queen's University is researching the rural creative economy and its links to regional revitalization. Creative economic activities comprising professional contributions such as art, advertising, design, film, publishing, education, R&D, software and media have the potential to contribute to the vitality of 21st century rural Canadian communities. This conference is sponsored by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada , Ontario East Economic Development and the Prince Edward/Lennox & Addington CFDC.

Conference / Venue Information:
Queen's School of Business, Queen's University
November 19, 2010
Room 202 Robert Sutherland Hall at Queen's University.

Kingston is accessible by road, rail and air (served by Air Canada).

Accommodation is available at the Donald Gordon Conference Centre which is within walking distance of the conference. Please contact the Donald Gordon Conference Centre directly to make a reservation or make alternative Kingston accommodation arrangements.

For more information, contact monieson@business.queensu.ca or visit http://business.queensu.ca/centres/monieson/events/upcoming_conferences.php

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Books/Livres : Country Roads, Memoirs from Rural Canada

Source: Nimbus Publishing.
"Rural people, places, and communities vary greatly in a country as geographically vast and culturally diverse as Canada. For some, the country was a place of happiness and belonging; for others, it was a source of hardship and sorrow."

"For many, it was both. Some writers grew up loving their rural homes, never wanting to leave. Others couldn’t wait to escape to the city. From Victoria, British Columbia, to St. John’s, Newfoundland, three generations of Canadians tell their stories of growing up in rural communities in Country Roads. The writers--including journalist Pamela Wallin, NHL coach Brent Sutter, and award-winning authors Sharon Butala and Rudy Wiebe--share one thing in common: they were all country kids whose upbringing profoundly impacted their identities. The thirty-two memoirs in Country Roads are sometimes humorous, sometimes heartbreaking, but always engaging."

Read More.

WWW: http://www.nimbus.ns.ca/

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Call for Papers: Fostering Entrepreneurship in the Creative Economy Conference

Source: The Monieson Centre.
This innovative and interactive forum will provide academics (faculty and students), business community representatives and economic developers with opportunities to debate ideas, examine theory, present research findings and exchange experiences in order to emerge with a refined understanding of the rural creative economy.

The Monieson Centre at Queen’s University is researching the rural creative economy and its links to regional revitalization. Creative economic activities comprising professional contributions such as art, advertising, design, film, publishing, education, R&D, software and media have the potential to contribute to the vitality of 21st century rural Canadian communities.

This conference will be held on Friday, November 19, 2010 at Queen’s University. It is being sponsored by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, the Ontario East Economic Development Commission and the Prince Edward/Lennox & Addington Community Futures Development Corporation. Conference paper submissions are invited. Submissions will be adjudicated and only the best selected because space is limited.

Submission Process:

Each submission must include the following in one package:
1. A 1000-word (maximum) description of the intended paper on the rural creative economy.
2. Travel budget (if applicable). Applicants are required to submit a pro-forma budget of their expected travel expenses, if they wish to request a partial refund. The organizing committee will review funding applications and determine the extent to which each request can be granted.
3. For all e-mail communications, the subject line should be “Rural Creative Economy Conference”.

Conference Submission Deadline:
Extended abstract submissions should be provided electronically no later than Monday, September 27, 2010 and be sent to:
Kate Minor
The Monieson Centre
Queen's School of Business, Queen's University
Kingston, Ontario, Canada K7L 3N6
E-mail: monieson@business.queensu.ca

Applicants will be notified of the review decision no later than Monday, October 4, 2010. Successful applicants must provide copies of the papers to be presented no later than Monday, November 15, 2010.

For more information, contact Kate Minor, Event Coordinator, 613.533.2350 or Dr. Yolande Chan, Professor and Director, The Monieson Centre, 613.533.2364.

Important Dates
Extended Abstract Submission Deadline: Monday, September 27, 2010
Notification of Acceptance: Monday, October 4, 2010
Paper Submission Deadline: Monday, November 15, 2010

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Presentations/Présentations : Attracting Immigrants in the New Rural Economy

Source: Bill Reimer, Concordia University
This presentation identifies some of the challenges of attracting new Canadians to rural places, characteristics of rural places that have been successful in doing so, and strategic options for communities and governments to encourage immigrants.
The presentation was given at the FCM National Conference, Toronto, May 28, 2010. It was in a panel for a Municipal Workshop entitled “Vibrant communities in a changing country: How to attract new Canadians to your region”.
For other presentations see:
http://reimer.concordia.ca/research

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Report/Rapport : Artists in Small and Rural Municipalities in Canada

Source: Hill Strategies Research Inc.
This report provides an analysis of artists residing in small and rural municipalities in Canada (i.e., municipalities with fewer than 50,000 residents). One-quarter of the 140,000 artists in Canada reside in small and rural municipalities.

Artists include actors, choreographers, craftspeople, composers, conductors, dancers, directors, musicians, producers, singers, visual artists and writers. Individuals are classified in the occupation in which they worked the most hours between May 7 and 13, 2006 (the census reference week).

Full report.
Report summary.

WWW: www.hillstrategies.com

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Report/Rapport : Creativity in the Rural Economy, September 2009

Source: Martin Prosperity Institute.
"Urban centres attract lots of attention from researchers and policy-makers interested in creative jobs and creative industries. But the potential of smaller centres and rural areas should not be overlooked."

"Job growth in rural Ontario in the decade between 1996 and 2006 was led by far by creative class workers at 22% - ahead of the working class at 13%, the service class at 9% and the agricultural and resource class, where the number of jobs actually fell by 20%."

Downloads

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Report/Rapport : Cultural Development in Rural Communities, May 2009

Source: Centre for Policy Studies on Culture and Communities, Simon Fraser University and the Creative City Network of Canada
(May 21, 2009) Vancouver – The Centre for Policy Studies on Culture and Communities at Simon Fraser University and the Creative City Network of Canada are pleased to announce the release of a new project on cultural development in rural communities.

The report, Developing and Revitalizing Rural Communities Through Arts and Creativity, is a comprehensive review of research on cultural and creative business development in rural communities and includes information from Canada, Australia, the United States, and Europe. This new research helps set the stage for rural communities to determine the best approaches to reach out and take advantage of their creative capacity.

The report was developed within the context of a partnership between the Creative City Network of Canada and the Alberta Recreation and Parks Association, and with the support of the Department of Canadian Heritage. The study was conducted by Dr. Nancy Duxbury and Heather Campbell at Simon Fraser University's Centre for Policy Studies on Culture and Communities, Vancouver, with insightful contributions from three international collaborators:

– Kim Dunphy, Program Manager, Cultural Development Network, Melbourne, Australia

– Dr. Patrick Overton, Director, Front Porch Institute, Oregon, United States

– Dr. Lidia Varbanova, Laboratory for European Cultural Cooperation, Amsterdam; and the Centre for Intercultural and Social Development, Montréal (reviewing Europe)

The final project consists of four papers with accompanying project and community case studies/examples, and an extensive annotated bibliography. A summary overview highlights the common themes emerging around cultural development in rural areas across the four project papers, and reoccurring critical ingredients to foster vibrant arts activity in rural and small communities.

The Centre for Policy Studies on Culture and Communities, in the School of Communication at Simon Fraser University, is co-directed by Drs. Alison Beale and Catherine Murray.
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All papers are available in electronic form on the Creative City Network of Canada website:

http://creativecity.ca/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=239&Itemid=218

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