Digital Technologies Are Transforming Russia’s Villages

There is an unusual settlement on Russia’s map — Michurinskoye near Khabarovsk. It is the country’s first Tsifrovoe selo (Digital Village). Over several years, a full-fledged digital ecosystem has been built there, spanning healthcare, public safety, education, and communications.

The backbone of these changes is a fiber-optic network laid by Rostelecom, Rossiyskaya Gazeta reports. It has provided high-speed internet to all key facilities. Doctors at the local rural clinic now receive patients’ test results instantly in digital form, speeding up diagnosis and treatment.

A video surveillance system with 26 cameras has become a powerful tool for maintaining public order. The cameras operate around the clock, helping prevent offenses and combat illegal dumping.

Technology also allows residents to monitor public transport operations and the condition of utility networks.

Smart Governance

Digital transformation has reshaped community life as well. Territorial public self-governance groups are actively developing, with residents initiating and implementing improvement projects worth millions of rubles. Meanwhile, a local social media chat called Odnoselchane (Fellow Villagers) has replaced the traditional town meeting. Residents use it to buy and sell goods, get local news, and discuss everyday issues.

Local entrepreneurs are planning to create a digital platform to sell agricultural products and promote agritourism, which is seen as a promising growth area.

The Digital Village has already gained nationwide attention. Thanks to developed infrastructure, quality roads, gas supply, and digital services, the village has become attractive to urban residents. Michurinskoye’s population is growing, with more than 150 new homes appearing each year.

The experience of Michurinskoye shows that digital transformation can create a comfortable, safe, and forward-looking living environment even in remote parts of Russia.