Nomadland: digitalni nomadi - priložnost za evropsko

Background For decades, rural areas and smaller industrial cities in Europe have been experiencing the outmigration of young people and ageing of the population, leading to stagnation in regional development, social polarization, impoverishment, underutilized public infrastructure and a negative image of these areas. Since the economic crisis of 2008, intra-EU migration has intensified, and many young people have moved to larger urban areas in search of better opportunities. NEW SOLUTIONS NEEDED FOR THE WORLD AFTER COVID-19 At the same time, due to the digitalization of jobs and the emergence of new industries (digital content creation, digital marketing, online sales ...), a different trend began – an increase in remote work, significantly increased during the COVID-19 epidemic. At the same time, the related trend of digital nomadism has started. Thanks to modern technology, young freelancers can work anywhere in the world and move freely between non-metropolitan areas. As many as 42% of digital nomads are between 25 and 40 years old. Our survey with 30 digital nomads included shows that they lack local community engagement during their stay. As strong community connections characterize rural communities, these areas can be an ideal location for (digital) work and the living of digital nomads. Skilled and high-quality youth work could therefore provide positive effects for both digital nomads and local youth. Consequentially, the development of new opportunities for young people in rural areas would prevent outmigration and encourage the immigration of young and modern Europeans to rural areas. DIGITAL NOMADISM - THE FUTURE OF YOUTH WORK Digital nomadism can positively impact rural areas, as it contributes to the immigration of young creative individuals. By improving public services (e. g., coworking spaces) and contributing to a more prosperous social life and multicultural dialogue, they can encourage diversity and tolerance and empower young people in rural areas. The project Nomadland relates to the European Youth Goals, particularly the sixth goal, Moving Rural Youth Forward. It focuses on the decentralization of activities (youth work), the development of the rural youth work and improving the image of the countryside. By emphasising cultural heritage, it also focuses on rural traditions. The need for quality youth work in rural areas is also stressed in the Council of the European Union statement. Youth work can help reduce the gap between rural and urban centres and develop new opportunities in the local environment. Our project follows the statement by recognizing interdisciplinary thinking for the youth policies development and participation of young people in decision-making (Raising opportunities for Young People in Rural and Remote Areas, 2020). The project brings together