From 4 to 6 September 2026, Borghi IN Rete organised the Community-based Cooperatives Festival in Abruzzo, Italy, bringing together community cooperatives, local communities, institutions, organisations and researchers working to strengthen the social and economic vitality of small villages and rural and inner areas.

The festival was hosted by the cooperatives of Goriano Valli and Castelvecchio Subequo, members of the local Multi-Actor Platform (MAP) and the Borghi IN network. All cooperatives involved in the local MAP participated in the event, creating a space for exchange, discussion and sharing of experiences around community-led initiatives.

As part of the programme, ESIRA was presented as a project bringing an international and comparative perspective to understanding the contribution of social economy and community-led initiatives to rural development. The project was presented by EURICSE researcher Jacopo Sforzi and project manager Barbara Franchini.

The presentation focused on how community cooperatives collaborate within the network to develop and strengthen initiatives with social impact. These activities start from an understanding of local needs and available resources and build on cooperation among local actors to enhance their activities and contribution to their communities.

The festival also included a monitoring visit by EURICSE and discussions on the development of ESIRA initiatives. Through meetings, visits and practical activities, participants explored how local communities can work together to create new opportunities, strengthen local capacities and contribute to more resilient and sustainable territories.

The event provided an opportunity to connect local experiences with the wider work of ESIRA and to exchange practices on community-led approaches to social innovation in rural and inner areas.