Italy, 3 September 2023
Charting Integrated Development: Insights from the Study Tour to Italy
One of the results of the EU PRO Plus Programme concerns the improvement of development planning and the introduction of the concept of integrated territorial investment (ITI) aiming to pilot integrated development in Serbia. It does so by assisting the Ministry of European Integration in creating a sustainable development model and by supporting local self-governments and regional development agencies in devising their own territorial development plans. And while the programme actively supports the implementation of these plans it also builds the capacity of the key stakeholders to implement these strategies. As a part of this support the Programme arranges the study tours to relevant countries, for the partners to learn about the best practices, what works and what is transferable to Serbian context.
After successful visits to Belgium, the Netherlands and Greece, a delegation, comprising local, regional, and national representatives, visited Italy's Province of Cuneo where European funds have driven remarkable development, serving as an inspiration for Serbian strategies.
Our exploration began with insights into Italy's territorial strategies, including the green "Terres Monviso" Interreg ALCOTRA project and a visit to "Il Quartiere – Casa della Partecipazione," a military barrack turned socio-cultural hub. This deep dive into local and territorial initiatives set the tone for the rest of the journey.
We were welcomed by a deputy mayor who shared a successful collective project rejuvenating mountain villages. Our interactions with cooperative communities further highlighted their commitment to regional development.
Discussions around mountain regeneration and the National Strategy for Inner Areas provided us with a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities in these unique regions, including cross-border sustainable development.
A key focus of our tour was environmental preservation. At Valdieri Park, we engaged with those managing protected areas and visited the Men and Wolves Wildlife Center in Entracque, gaining insights into their dedication to preserving natural beauty.
The tour also spotlighted rural development's role in sustainability, with a special emphasis on renewable energy innovations. We learned from experts about the transformative power of rural areas in sustainable development.
Our journey included a tribute to landscape preservation and UNESCO heritage while the University of Gastronomic Sciences offered an intriguing perspective on the connection between gastronomy, agriculture, and sustainability.
In Turin, we saw the transformation of former industrial sites into vibrant cultural spaces. Visits to OGR – Officine Grandi Riparazioni highlighted Turin's urban evolution post-industrial era, sharing insights on contemporary urban development while Lingotto 9 showcased the city's shift from industrial to multifunctional use, illustrating urban regeneration.
The study tour left us inspired by Italy's mastery in rural development, resonating with Serbia's aspirations for integrated development and sustainability.
Jelena Cvetanovska from the Boljevac local economic development office summed up our experience: "For us who are overcoming traditional sectoral policies and encountering the multi-sectoral approach, learning about the way Italy has implemented territorial strategies are of great importance. Here the application of an integrated approach is supported by strong coordination structures and includes all types of actors and organisational levels at all stages which is crucial." Her words reflect our collective inspiration and renewed commitment to implementing effective territorial strategies in Serbia, aiming for impactful and sustainable results.