Italy

The Report describes the peculiarities of Italy’s situation and dimensions, characterised by a polycentric structure based both on large conurbations (metropolitan cities) and specifically vibrant medium-sized cities endowed with remarkable services supply systems, and on the presence of a high number of smaller realities. The Report aims to contribute knowledge, experiences and proposals which, although partial, will be a support to the strategic choices that may be undertaken subsequently.

Compared to the Habitat II Conference held back in 1996, Italy’s institutional and territorial organisation has strongly changed. We are witnessing an increasingly strong role played by urban institutions, on the one hand with the establishment of metropolitan cities and, on the other, with small administrative contexts strongly encouraged to merge. The successful conclusion of this process will be an important tool to set up better performing local investment strategies in order to improve inter-institutional dialogue for management of public municipal services, with the aim of implementing an efficient and effective synthesis of additional investments and ordinary policies.

Focus on cities has indeed grown, finding motivation and support within EU and national policies, through the 2014-2020 programming period of EU Structural Funds and use of national ordinary and cohesion resources. This Report may provide an opportunity to reflect on the economic and social process taking place within our cities, for promotion of management policies and reuse of building stock in order to feed the debate on the challenges related to planning and management of urban spaces, and acknowledging cities’ strategic role as development drivers.