Evaluating barriers to drone application in rural areas

New technologies, such as drone delivery (DD), have the potential to transform rural goods delivery and support the achievement of sustainable development goals, particularly regarding health and well-being. While previous research highlights the advantages (fast delivery, high responsiveness, cost-effectiveness, etc.) and applicability of drones in last-mile delivery, especially in e-commerce and urban areas, their applicability in rural areas (RA) remains underexplored. This study analyzes the barriers to adopting DD of goods in RA using a hybrid Grey Delphi-BWM model. Research results identify lack of aviation regulations, drone owner liability, identity theft, unauthorized data usage, cultural perceptions, unauthorized photography and filming without consent, and insurance obligations as major obstacles, providing insights to decision-makers and policymakers to support successful adoption of DD in RA. Considering the identified barriers, this research suggests the need for regulatory adaptation and policy development to facilitate the implementation of DD in rural environments.