Solution Tested:

Why this pilot?

“The pilot addresses the challenges faced by many inner and mountain areas in Europe, including depopulation, economic decline and the gradual weakening of local community structures. Minucciano reflects these dynamics but also holds significant potential linked to its strong local identity, cultural heritage and environmental resources. Rather than focusing only on the problems, the pilot aims to transform these challenges into opportunities for sustainable and locally rooted development, in line with the principles of the NEB.

This location was selected because it already represents a strategic area where the Region of Tuscany has invested in initiatives to strengthen local development. In Minucciano, the Region supported the creation of a service centre for enterprises, initially public and later transferred to private management, as well as the requalification of the path surrounding Lake Gramolazzo through the Regional Operational Programme (ERDF 2007–2013) and a subsequent agreement signed in 2020. These initiatives, together with local experiences related to the collaborative economy, create a favourable context to test innovative solutions according to NEB principles. The pilot therefore aims to experiment with new forms of multilevel governance and collaboration between public authorities, private actors and citizens to redesign living spaces, enhance the attractiveness of the territory and stimulate new economic opportunities.”

What was done?

The pilot focused on activating a participatory process aimed at experimenting with new forms of collaboration between public institutions, local stakeholders and the academic community and on applying the NEB principles. The main activities implemented include:
• Activation of the local node in Minucciano, established through the collaboration between the Region of Tuscany, the University of Florence and the Municipality of Minucciano. The mayor and local actors played a key role in engaging entrepreneurs and citizens.
• Participatory workshops and meetings with local stakeholders, organised to identify needs, opportunities and development priorities for the territory. These moments allowed the collection of local knowledge and experiences.
• World Café sessions, used as a participatory method to stimulate dialogue among citizens, entrepreneurs, institutions and students. The discussions focused on the future of the territory, the valorisation of local resources and possible innovative uses of spaces.
• Involvement of university students from the University of Florence, who developed design proposals and ideas inspired by the principles of the NEB (sustainability, inclusion and aesthetics).
• Co-design activities, where students have collected citizens and local public representatives’ issues to explore solutions aimed at improving the attractiveness of the area and promoting new economic opportunities.

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