Exploring the Impact of the Digital Economy on Rural Mexico

Abstract

This study explores the potential of the digital economy to strengthen rural resilience and promote territorial permanence in Mexico. Traditionally perceived as incompatible, the digital and rural spheres are increasingly converging, creating hybrid spaces that challenge simplistic dichotomies between modernization and tradition. By adopting a qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive design, the research analyzes the experiences of Oaxaca and Chiapas, two emblematic rural regions with high cultural diversity and socioeconomic marginalization. The findings reveal that digital technologies—including e-commerce, blockchain, and telemedicine—have enabled new economic opportunities, enhanced access to essential services, and fostered cultural preservation. Nevertheless, the results also underscore persistent challenges such as digital infrastructure gaps, new forms of dependency on external platforms, and tensions between innovation and cultural identity. The emerging role of women in leading digital adoption highlights promising paths for greater inclusivity. Overall, the study concludes that digital transformation in rural Mexico is not merely a matter of technological adoption but a complex process of social, economic, and cultural reconfiguration. For digitalization to truly support rural development and territorial permanence, it must be approached through holistic, community-driven, and culturally sensitive strategies that empower local actors and respect diverse knowledge systems.