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Discussions of the "digital divide" and its social consequences abound in the media. While the issue mainly looks at demographic factors, another factor - geographical location - is emerging as an equally critical consideration. Communities that are rural, indigenous and geographically disconnected have always found it difficult to reap the benefits of new technologies due to, among other factors, poor infrastructure and poverty. This paper proposes model of economic development in such isolated communities while sustaining their culture based on solutions from the business and non-profit world. Networks of for- and non-profit enterprises, e-commerce and internet marketing strategies, and creative application of e-learning technology are proposed as solutions while simultaneously incorporating individuals' and community's social and cultural goals. A case study based on Alaskan Native people is discussed.

Stream: Economic Sustainability

Paper: Bringing the Knowledge Economy to Isolated and Rural Communities