Il quadro iniziale

The present contribution is divided into three sections. The first deals with the features of Italian inner areas and their criticalities; it infers that Community-based cooperatives may well represent a regeneration tool for marginal areas. The second highlights Community-based cooperatives historic development dynamic, starting from the end of 19th century to modern times. The last section discusses the legal aspects of these cooperatives, both in internal relationships among members, and in the relations with external institutions.

Il caso studio del Molise

Basing on multivariate statistical methods, text and sentiment analysis, and profitability analysis, a study is performed, with the aim to define the role of Community-based cooperatives in the development process of the inner areas of the Italian region of Molise. Census data, direct interviews data, and balance sheets data are employed to identify a new model of local development based on cooperative principles.

Gli strumenti

In this contribution, the financial and planning instruments that can promote the development of a Community-based cooperative are analysed. In particular, EU cohesion policy and rural development programs are considered. A focus is then made on the so-called InvestEU Fund, and another in-depth look is given to Smart Villages, which are defined as communities in inner areas using innovative solutions to improve their resilience, building on local strengths and opportunities: a very well suited definition to the potential role of Community-based cooperatives.

L’approccio metodologico

This contribution presents a methodological path tailored to highlight and manage the generating processes of Community-based cooperatives in Italian inner areas. Some quantitative techniques are involved, in particular multivariate statistical techniques, together with text analysis, in order to process the outcomes of a direct survey based on open responses. Moreover, a study of scenario, based on balance sheet data, is proposed, to verify the potential profitability of a new cooperative.

Introduzione

The present chapter introduces the concepts and the issues about Italian inner areas, as defined by the Strategia nazionale per le Aree Interne (National Strategy for Inner Areas – SNAI). In particular, it focuses on a new enterprise model called Community-based cooperatives; they play a fundamental role in the regional development process, from economic, social and environmental points of view. Finally, the key elements of these new cooperatives are highlighted.

Conclusioni

The present text includes some conceptual maps, aimed at defining the potential role of Community-based cooperatives in revitalising Italian inner areas. The conclusions show the great importance of these cooperatives, which are considered as a key factor in favouring local development, and in arresting demographic decline in marginal areas. Though based on the results obtained with respect to Molise region, these findings can be extended to any other Italian inner area.