MAPPARE IL FUTURO, OLTRE LA PATH-DEPENDENCE. PAESAGGI IN CONFLITTO E IPOTESI DI LAVORO IN UN’AREA INTERNA SICILIANA

Abstract

MAPPING THE FUTURE, BEYOND PATH -DEPENDENCY. CONFLICTING LANDSCAPES AND A WORKING AGENDA IN A SICILIAN INLAND AREA

The Italian National Strategy for Inland Regions, currently under implementation, is showing
significant pitfalls that call for further reflections on how to move forward with the “inland areas”
challenge. This article aims at contributing to this debate drawing from research carried out in the
Sicilian city of Vizzini, part of the SNAI pilot area called “calatino.” The research has been carried out
within the framework of the “BeeDINI - Vizzini 2030” project, funded by Fondazione con il Sud to a
local partnership for the community-led reactivation of a historic building. In this case, the partnership
is working, outside of the SNAI strategy, on the re-activation of a medieval castle as an opportunity for
community development. Research findings show how, despite local power conflicts and the
persistence of old approaches for historic preservation, actions in line with SNAI’s innovative
principles, can be developed inspired by a ‘socio-spatial innovation paradigm’, overcoming the
‘rhetoric’ on the need to “go back to past glories,” with a focus on youth and relying on the innovating
ability of the excellence of Sicilian non-profit.
Keywords: social innovation, cohesive economy, community mapping