With the rapid development of information technology, rural areas have gradually been transformed and upgraded, moving from the fringes of digitalisation to a focus of attention for all sectors of society. Traditionally, the countryside has often been regarded as a quiet corner far from the frontiers of science and technology, with relatively weak infrastructure and lagging digitalisation. However, under the impetus of globalisation and information technology, rural digitalisation is advancing at an unprecedented pace. This special edition looks at multiple aspects of rural digitalisation: the application of smart agriculture, the dissemination of distance education systems, the establishment of e-commerce platforms, rural e-commerce entrepreneurship, and the penetration of digital healthcare services. We are also interested in the challenges faced in the process of rural digitalisation, such as the improvement of network infrastructure, the enhancement of digital skills, and data security and privacy protection. Furthermore, we are keen to explore how to jointly promote the digital transformation of villages through policy guidance, social capital investment, and the improvement of residents' digital literacy, in order to realise the beautiful vision of sustainable rural development.

rural digitalisation; rural e-commerce; smart agriculture; distance education systems; digital healthcare services; rural e-commerce entrepreneurship; rural entrepreneurship; network infrastructure; policy guidance; rural sustainable development