Thesis title: Culturale heritage: verso la definizione di un modello di gestione tra pubblico e privato
The sustainable management of cultural heritage represents a complex and multi-dimensional challenge, with significant implications for socio-economic development and urban regeneration. As Elinor Ostrom stated, "we must learn how to govern ourselves at multiple levels with overlapping systems of governance." This assertion is particularly relevant in the field of cultural heritage management, which requires a delicate balance between institutional regulation and local community involvement, as well as between public responsibilities and private interests.
This research aims to define a management model applicable to urban regeneration projects, integrating innovative partnership frameworks, advanced participatory approaches, and circular economy systems. The primary objective is to identify tools—including innovative ones—that can optimize accessibility, preservation, and the positive impact of cultural assets within the national economy. The application and study of this integrated and replicable model seeks not only to safeguard the historical and identity value of heritage, but also to pursue environmental, economic, and social sustainability goals within adaptive reuse projects. Among these, the social dimension emerges as a critical factor for ensuring the long-term viability of such initiatives.
The research methodology is grounded in a systematic literature review and a comparative analysis of heritage management models implemented in Italy and across Europe. By applying the PRISMA protocol, 38 key studies were selected, from which best practices, critical issues, and opportunities were extracted and analyzed to inform a governance model that is both inclusive and sustainable.
The findings were subsequently compared with insights gathered during a multidisciplinary event held on September 30, 2024. This event brought together experts, professionals, academics, public and private institutions, and various stakeholders engaged in the processes of cultural heritage valorization and regeneration.
The conclusions of this study focus on the potential of a multi-criteria, adaptive, and transferable model of analysis and evaluation, applicable to regeneration projects. The proposed model aims to overcome the limitations of traditional public management through an experimental approach that acknowledges the complexity and heterogeneity of the contexts and influencing factors involved in project success.
Furthermore, this research addresses the primary challenges of current management models in reuse projects, including the risk of subordinating the social mission to economic objectives, the difficulties in integrating various stakeholders, and the need to develop effective monitoring and impact assessment tools. Based on the existing literature, the study proposes a useful action model to evaluate the effectiveness of emerging initiatives.
Such a model would provide a solid foundation for developing public policies that establish a comprehensive system for managing and enhancing widespread cultural heritage. It would promote the adoption of sustainable practices by institutional and private stakeholders, while also fostering a management approach that prioritizes conservation and protection. At the same time, it places particular emphasis on generating social value through the active involvement of local communities at every stage of the regeneration process.