This report presents the preliminary findings of the analysis conducted under T4.1 “Comparative study on social exclusion in rural areas” and T4.2 “Appraisal of existing policies, services and initiatives to support social inclusion and social economy in rural areas” of the ESIRA Horizon Europe project. This report will act as a basis of D4.1 “Benchmark study on social exclusion in rural areas” and D4.2 “Multi-level analysis of social economy initiatives in rural areas”.

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.