Inner Areas, action-research for regeneration processes

At national level, inner areas and small municipalities cover most of the mountainous regions, accounting for 60% of the total land area, 52% of municipalities and 22% of the population (13 million people). However, these are not marginal areas: on the contrary, inner areas hold valuable resources for more balanced, sustainable and inclusive development. They can become laboratories for social, environmental and economic innovation, capable of responding to the challenges of our time – from ecological transition to territorial cohesion.

As a research centre, ARCO works to support inner areas and small municipalities in regeneration and enhancement processes, through an approach that integrates research, participation and innovation. ARCO collaborates with local administrations, communities, third sector organisations and local actors to co-design interventions aimed at strengthening the quality of life and resilience of communities.

ARCO’s work is based on the belief that every territory has unique potential to be activated. Inner areas are not voids to be filled, but living spaces to be listened to, accompanied and strengthened, together with the people who live there or decide to live there.

Inner Areas and small municipalities, overview and definitions

Inner areas are those territories far from large urban centres, characterised by limited access to essential services such as education, healthcare and mobility. According to the definition adopted by the Italian National Strategy for Inner Areas (SNAI), these are areas which, despite being rich in natural and cultural heritage and local identity, suffer from depopulation, an ageing population and economic marginalisation.

To promote their development, ARCO offers services for:

• territorial analysis aimed at promoting tourism, strengthening local identity and attracting sustainable flows of visitors;
• the study of local supply chains and product characterisation, to support local production models and promote the circular economy;
• the development of participatory governance tools, aimed at promoting shared and responsible management of common resources;
• the development and evaluation of public policies, with particular attention to environmental sustainability, social equity and the effectiveness of interventions;
• the mapping of needs and opportunities, through integrated qualitative and quantitative research methodologies;
• the measurement and evaluation of the impact of projects and programmes, to support evidence-based decision-making processes.

Territorial analysis is a useful tool for gaining an in-depth understanding of a specific territory, whether it be a neighbourhood, a city, a group of cities or a region. This tool can be used by local administrators, policy makers and organisations that aim to have a significant impact on the territory, selecting priorities and strategies based on its actual needs, aspirations and specific characteristics.

2. Analysis of the social and healthcare sector

By systematically mapping the social capital of inner areas, allows for an enhancement of the role of Third Sector organisations, especially those that aim at serving the general interest, in the reorganisation of social and healthcare services, while at the same time understanding their sustainability over time.

3. Supply chain analysis and product characterisation

The study of local supply chains and product characterisation support local production models and promote the circular economy.

4. The circular economy of the mountains

In mountain areas, strengthening agricultural and forestry supply chains enhances local resources, meets food needs and creates economic and social value for communities often affected by ageing and marginalisation. In this context, the circular economy plays a crucial role: it reduces waste, optimises the use of energy, soil, water and biomass, and promotes the regeneration of ecosystems.

To know more, drop a line at info@arcolab.org