Use of knowledge model for neo-endogenous governance in rural areas: Construction of Knowledge based systems in the Spanish rural “comarcas”

Abstract

New forms of governance are required in rural environments with a neo-endogenous, multisector, horizontal focus that seeks to develop its potential through innovation, participation and validation of its Social Capital. New information and communication technologies (ICT), such as the appropriate knowledge models, that improve the IT architecture used for spreading information, associated instruments, such as Sustainability Indicators, for their follow-up and evaluation, are all necessary to do this. This article first describes and analyzes the main features of new forms of governance and social capital in rural areas. Then, the characteristics of the knowledge models and its use in the co-construction of the Rural zoning plans, under neo-endogenous development principles and the law 45/2007, are analyzed. Afterwards, the main features of Knowledge-based systems (KBS) and its application in the management of the Rural zoning plans are described. Finally, we show the first experiences in the KBS construction in the comarcas of Los Velez and Poniente, province of Almeria, Spain.