Most people agree that technology has reshaped the economy. But how can you make practical use of digital tools and approaches? That is what the Middle Georgia Digital Economy Summit aims to answer.

The Georgia Technology Authority's "Digital Georgia Program" sponsors the October 28 summit at Middle Georgia State College in Macon.

Bill Price manages the Digital Georgia Program. He said that Georgia sits in the middle of the pack nationwide when it comes to high-speed broadband accessibility.

Price said free market forces push Internet providers from rural areas.

"Those companies have shareholders who are focused on return on investment. So they focus their investment on where the most customers are," he said.

The GTA estimates that 19,500 households in Middle Georgia are not served with Internet speeds fast enough to qualify as broadband.

Price said summit sessions will introduce business owners, artists and government officials to new efforts, like raising money using the web through "crowdfunding."

"You basically are taking the digital technologies that are available and you are increasing your reach and you are getting people funding from all over the world," he said.

Price mentioned a Macon start-up incubator, called SparkMacon, that had to raise $10,000 in start-up costs through crowdfunding. Price said some of the SparkMacon cash came from an investor in Milan, Italy.

The incubator effort - known as a "makerspace" - will also be discussed at the Summit.

The Middle Georgia Regional Commission also hosts the summit. For more information, go to www.middlegeorgiadigital.com .

Tags: digital, economy, Macon, Middle Georgia College, middle Georgia