In this issue we feature 6 current papers on the theme of social capital, chosen by Fabio Sabatini (Università degli Studi di Roma “La Sapienza”):

Rural areas are frequently seen as relatively sparce environments for economic development, characterized by fewer resources and institutions, less economic diversity and poorer access to markets, finance and government support programmes than larger towns and cities. However digital access beyond the locality combined with cohesive community-driven action planning opens up new possibilities for economically and sustainable rural communities. Community groups and businesses can capture local opportunities of a ‘smart countryside’.