Community-Based Cooperatives: A New Business Model for the Development of Italian Inner Areas

Abstract

Italian municipalities distant from main service supply hubs are defined by the Development Ministry as “inner areas”. A new business model, called community-based cooperatives, has recently developed in these areas. The name itself highlights the strong link between these firms and the local population. Their essential features are the pursuit of general interest and the creation of partnerships. This research explores the potential contribution of these enterprises to the growth of Italian inner areas. The data come from a direct survey, and the methodology includes text analysis techniques and correspondence analysis to create useful concept maps that define the paths that community-based cooperatives can take to regenerate their territories. The results highlight the critical issues of inner areas and the needs of their communities, together with the potential fields of business for the establishment of a community-based cooperative. In conclusion, these new firms may lead to real and enduring benefits to local communities. They could also contribute to demographic decline inversion by introducing new practices that reduce inequalities, enhance social, natural, and artificial capital, and boost the sustainable development process.

Social Capital Contributions to Food Security: A Comprehensive Literature Review

“…The present study’s findings are consistent with the existing literature, where Mastronardi, Giagnacovo, and Romagnoli [ 65 ] believe that community-based cooperatives increase community resilience to external shocks. On the other hand, Mastronardi and Romagnoli [ 66 ] believe that such cooperation and the formation of such communities will lead to society’s development and sustainability. Based on the findings, members of a community can benefit from each other’s support, leading to food security in various ways.…”

The Attractive Power of Rural Destinations and a Synergistic Community Cooperative Approach: A “Tourismability” Case

“…The event was created out of several needs that the local administration identified in cooperation with citizens. Some are triggering factors in the literature for alternative business models based on a cooperative approach, as reported by Mastronardi and Romagnoli [4], others are strictly related to the event, but they are not the main proposition and motivational factors that moved administrators, organizers, and the community to create the event "Dream of a night . .…”

“…A recent study published in Sustainability about community-based cooperatives [4] related to a new business model based on an approach of synergistic cooperative involvement can provide inspiration for a valid analysis research protocol ( Figure 4) structured on the pillars of the main needs of small-town residents (including tourism).…”

“…As Mastronardi and Romagnoli [4] identified critical factors derived from specific needs of people in rural and inner areas, in the same way, local administrators should intervene for the development of these places.…”

“…In light of recent climate change, food scandals, pollution, and work-related stress due to daily life in big cities, tourism is changing its forms, evading typical boundaries. While in the past exotic destinations were preferred [1][2][3], nowadays even the most remote and inner destinations [4,5] are becoming available and attractive. In fact, administrators and organizers operating in these places are forming strategies to guarantee attractiveness, following state and regional guidelines (www.agenziacoesione.gov.it).…”