The main aim of this report has been to collect information regarding the situation of rural areas and the communities residing in each of the participating regions in the ESIRA project. These reports will serve as the basis for the “Benchmark study on social exclusion in rural areas” and the “Multi-level analysis of social economy initiatives in rural areas,” which will be developed during the project with the aim of analyzing the key challenges faced by rural populations, evaluating the effectiveness of existing policies and services, and identifying opportunities to strengthen social inclusion, support social economy initiatives, and foster social innovation in rural communities across Europe.

Following a common methodological approach agreed upon with all ESIRA partners, the present report aims at:  

1. Presenting an overview of the Italian territorial system and main information about social exclusion and inequalities in the country; main existing national policies to support local development and social inclusion in rural areas; conceptualisation and diffusion of social economy organisations and social enterprises. 

2. Providing information specifically referring to the two selected Italian territories (i.e., the Autonomous Province of Trento – also known as Trentino – and Abruzzo), with a specific focus on the four identified MAPs: (i) the Altavalsugana and Bernstol Valley Community and (ii) the Vallagarina Valley Community (in the Autonomous Province of Trento); and (iii) the province of L’Aquila, and (iv) the province of Chieti (in Abruzzo).  

In particular, the following topics are scrutinised:  

1. Main characteristics of the territory, in terms of its geographic situation, historical aspects, climatic and natural features, demography, economic situation, transport system and existing strategies fostering local development and social inclusion in rural areas, 

2. Main groups of the population in the region at risk of/living in situations of social exclusion and their characteristics, main drivers and indicators of vulnerability,  

3. Main assets and potentials in the region, with a specific focus on the role and contribution of social economy organisations in rural areas to reduce vulnerability and foster local development. 

The report is structured as follows: Section 2 presents the methodology adopted for the study. Section 3 presents the country overview, detailing its territorial system, demographic trends, and various strategies and policies in place for rural areas and social inclusion, including insights into the history and evolution of the social economy and the Third sector in the country. Sections 4-7 focus on the first selected territory, the Autonomous Province of Trento and its two previously mentioned Valley Communities. Following a regional overview (Section 4), Section 5 delves into the specific issue of vulnerability and social exclusion affecting different population groups within the region. Chapter 6 identifies strengths and opportunities in Trentino that can be leveraged for designing new strategies for the social and economic development of the region. Chapter 7 summarises the key findings of the regional analysis and explores potential directions and focuses for the MAP in the area. Mirror-like, Sections 8-11 focus on the second territory (Abruzzo) and its two selected Provinces: L’Aquila and Chieti.