Today we are with Elena Corsi, CISA’s Development Unit Manager, who will accompany us in the exploration of the objectives of integrated territorial projects, revealing the keys to developing effective growth strategies for Municipalities and the importance of the team in these processes.
1. What are the main objectives that you, as CISA, intend to achieve when it comes to supporting Municipalities in building sustainable and integrated territorial projects?
The first objective, which is the solid basis for the construction of integrated territorial projects, is to accompany Municipalities in a reading of the territory and its development that goes beyond individual administrative boundaries. In the construction of sustainable and integrated territorial projects, the objectives are multiple. First of all, it is crucial to increase the capacity to respond to climate and demographic challenges and thus to promote balanced development that respects the environment, optimises the use of natural resources and reduces ecological impact, improves the quality of life of citizens, ensuring access to efficient services and promoting inclusiveness and social participation. Another fundamental objective is to foster the integration of the various local policies and plans in place (urban planning, transport, economy) in order to create synergies and coherence between interventions. Finally, also in a medium-to long-term perspective, work on capacitating local authority personnel to create a managerial class ready to face future challenges.
2. What does it mean to set up a sustainable and innovative development strategy that improves the quality of life of local communities? Is there a difference in approach between Municipalities in more rural versus more urban settings?
Setting up a sustainable and innovative development strategy means having a vision from which to implement concrete actions that promote economic, social and environmental growth without further compromising already scarce future resources. The objective is to improve the quality of life through integrated policies that optimise the use of natural resources, reduce inequalities, stem the abandonment of territories far from cities and foster innovation. In rural Municipalities the approach should tend to enhance the natural heritage and existing local economies, where quality of life becomes inextricably linked to access to services; in urban contexts more attention should be paid to sustainable mobility, energy efficiency and digitalisation. In both cases, community participation is crucial to ensure solutions tailored to specific local needs.
3. How to find the right and effective balance between innovation and tradition, especially in those territories that may be more cautious in imagining novelty and change?
Finding a balance between innovation and tradition is a question that cyclically repeats itself in history, what is changing is that it is a question that now requires quicker answers. Perhaps an approach that respects local culture and identity is needed, because I believe it is crucial not to underestimate ‘where we come from’. In this sense, an inclusive dialogue with local communities is crucial, valuing traditions as a resource for growth, for example by integrating historical practices with innovative technologies. Pilot initiatives with tangible outcomes can facilitate the adoption of new practices, as well as the active involvement of young people. In this way, tradition becomes a basis on which to build innovation, creating solutions that are respectful of roots but future-oriented and thus sustainable.
4. Such complex and delicate projects require a team that not only has interdisciplinary skills but is also sensitive in understanding and interpreting the specificities of territories from different points of view. What do you think is the distinguishing element of CISA in this sense? How influential is the sharing and full involvement of the whole team during the entire work process?
I believe that there are several elements that characterise CISA: the awareness that, even when faced with determined procedures and codified processes, each territorial reality is profoundly different and, as such, requires the ability to grasp its specificities and local codes; the desire to create a highly collaborative team, enhancing the diversity of skills and perspectives. This implies not only technical and professional knowledge but also empathy and attention to local contexts, community needs and cultural and social dynamics. The sharing and full involvement of the entire team throughout the entire work process is fundamental because it favours the emergence of innovative ideas and ensures that each phase of the project can respond effectively to the real needs of the area.
5. Looking ahead to 2025, what challenges do you foresee and what prospects do you wish for CISA?
CISA has it in its DNA to be at the side of Municipalities and will continue to share challenges and perspectives with them, with the potential to achieve significant results if we succeed together in looking at the future through a shared lens, which I believe is not to underestimate the rapidity of the impacts on social cohesion and people’s living conditions related to climate change and digitisation. I hope that CISA will succeed in conveying the value of innovating in a sustainable way, contributing to the creation of resilient and inclusive communities.
