Patrimoni produttivi e turismo nel Veneto: storie di micro-rigenerazione dal basso e innovazione sociale di prossimita

Social innovation initiatives in tourism represent an emerging field of research investigating how local communities enhance their cultural heritage—both tangible and intangible—through bottom-up practices capable of triggering processes of micro-regeneration. These initiatives also include experiences related to local productive heritage, both artisanal and industrial. Such practices address complex challenges, including unemployment, depopulation, loss of collective identity, overtourism and the erosion of social cohesion. The research, conducted within the framework of the iNEST project (Interconnected Nord-Est Innovation Ecosystem, NextGenerationEU, spoke 6 on Tourism, Culture and Creative Industries), analysed four case studies in Veneto (Venice, Dolomiti Bellunesi UNESCO, Bassano del Grappa and the Po Delta), adopting a qualitative and interdisciplinary approach based on literature review, desk analysis and approximately 40 interviews with local stakeholders. The study examined the nature of these initiatives (bottom-up or top-down), the actors involved, their motivations, governance arrangements and everyday challenges, highlighting their potential to regenerate territories and strengthen community cohesion.