Abstract
This study aims to explore the policy directions to apply and activate the appropriate technology in rural areas from the perspective of the endogenous and sustainable regional development theories. To this end, according to the analysis framework based on ideas, values, and strategies that are common to both endogenous regional development strategic theories and sustainable regional development theories, in this paper, various surveys and reviews were conducted on the study areas to explore the possibility of localization of the appropriate technology. The policy implications derived from research results are as follows; first, rural areas have high potential and scalability to apply and activate the appropriate technology, particularly in the field of renewable energy, due to their nature based on local resources. Second, for the practical application of the appropriate technology, first of all, together with the establishment of the role of public sector, it is necessary to plan the projects based on the cooperation network of the relevant innovation entities within and outside the regions and to build the implementation systems. Third, the training system for high skilled manpower and indigenous entrepreneurs should be stably built in order to create independent conditions, which are key elements for growth of the appropriate technology. Fourth, there is a need to find the market and establish policies that can solve the typical economic problems of rural areas such as aging population, depopulation and decline in youth, economic unrest. Fifth, in order for the appropriate technology to contribute to socio-economic innovations and the revitalization of the virtuous circle economy in the region, technical items and various business items suitable for the industrial infrastructures and autonomous conditions of rural areas are essential.
