The great migration
Covid spurs movement from urban areas to rural and suburban communities
The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted how we live and work, and one of the most notable changes has been the shift in population from big cities to suburban and rural areas. According to a recent article from Brookings Institution, big cities saw historic population losses while suburban growth declined during the pandemic.
This trend is likely to continue with the economic downturn and presents a perfect innovation opportunity. As more and more people move to the suburbs and rural areas, there will be greater demand for services and amenities previously only available in urban areas. This could lead to the development of new technologies, businesses, and services that cater to the unique needs of suburban residents.
One area that could see significant growth is e-commerce and delivery services. With more people living in suburban and rural areas, there will be a greater need for online retailers to reach these customers and for delivery services to transport goods to their homes. This could lead to the development of new logistics and transportation technologies, such as drones and autonomous vehicles, to meet this growing demand.
Another area that could see innovation is healthcare. With more people living in suburban and rural areas, there will be a greater need for healthcare providers to reach these patients and for telemedicine and virtual care to become more prevalent. This could lead to the development of new technologies that make it easier for healthcare providers to connect with patients remotely and for patients to access medical care from the comfort of their own homes.
In addition, the demand for new housing and community development may increase in suburban and rural areas. This could lead to the development of more sustainable and energy-efficient homes and new community amenities such as parks, playgrounds, and community centers.
Overall, the shift in population from big cities to suburban and rural areas presents a unique opportunity for innovation. As more and more people move to these areas, there will be greater demand for services and amenities that cater to their unique needs. By embracing this change and developing new technologies, businesses, and services, we can create a brighter future for suburban and rural residents and communities.