The cities of Rovereto and Pergine Valsugana recently hosted the presentation of the ESIRA project at an event dedicated to strengthening social innovation. The event was organized by Euricse and Cooperation Trentina from Italy.

The first two locations, marked the start of a process that will introduce more initiatives across the Trentino region. This endeavour involves promoting rural labs managed by territorial ecosystems, with activities aimed at co-designing social economy initiatives to be tested together with the involved actors.

The initial events took place in Rovereto at the Auditorium of the Famiglia Materna Foundation in Quercia, and in Pergine Valsugana at the new headquarters of the Alta Valsugana Rural Bank Foundation.

Organized by Euricse (European Research Institute on Cooperative and Social Enterprises based in Trento) and the Trentino Federation of Cooperation (as project partners), the event saw the participation of numerous representatives from local communities and various public and private entities.

During the meeting, representatives from Euricse and the Federation illustrated ESIRA’s activities within the communities of Vallagarina and Alta Valsugana-Bernstol, focusing on a comparative study on social economy currently underway in the Province of Trento. This study analyzes policies, services, and initiatives aimed at the social and labor inclusion of the most vulnerable people in rural communities. Following this, an interactive workshop was held where participants expressed their needs, proposals, and contributions for the project’s success. This discussion allowed the collection of valuable ideas and suggestions to help define ESIRA’s future actions.