Abstract
The ability of regions to develop new productive capacities and to address the needs of inhabitants has become central in the EU agenda to trigger cohesion, sustainable growth and equality. This ability does not derive only from material assets but also from cognitive ones, such as trust, ways of cooperation, governance cultures and sense of belonging. Cognitive aspects are in fact fundamental in making the most of the greater potential of territorial features. Using the concept of territorial capital, we investigate this mix between material and cognitive assets in regional planning discourses. Territorial capital raises issues of spatial diversity and inequality as questions of access. Starting from the theoretical framework suggested by Servillo, Atkinson, and Russo (2011) on attractiveness and mobilization strategies, this article addresses the issue of territorial inequalities on material and cognitive bases by analysing mobilization discourses on territorial capital at a regional scale in Italy and Austria. The investigation of three case studies at differentterritorial scales (urban, suburban and rural) in each country allows both intra-regional and inter-regional comparison. By mapping the discursive structures of local economic development documents and key-actor interviews, we analyse the different mobilizing strategies in these contexts. Comparing inter-regional mobilization provides an in-depth insight into differences as well as similarities of cohesion strategies in regional planning on multiple levels. This can spark new territorially sensitive schemes for further sustainable socio-economic and equalising development that connects with the social structures on the ground.
Highlights
The central role of regions in contributing to growth has been made clear in the EU agenda since the 2000s
It has been stated that the ability to generate economic growth is strictly linked to the social cohesion of a territory (European Commission, 2005)
Taking into consideration three cases at diverse territorial levels in two countries (Austria and Italy), we suggest a comparison in order to see how the mobilization of territorial capital is enhanced or hindered
Summary
The central role of regions in contributing to growth has been made clear in the EU agenda since the 2000s. Looking at the mobilization of territorial capital with a focus on inequalities means considering the differences in terms of assets, be they material or non-material, and the governance, institutional arrangements, collaboration culture, identity and networks that characterize each locality. In this sense, the mobilization or the lack of mobilizing of territorial capital is usually legitimized by a public discourse that can support, foster or hinder it. Picking up a more dynamic view, the OECD introduced the comprehensive concept of territorial capital in 2001 It is defined as the system of territorial assets of an economic, cultural, social and environmental nature that ensure the development potential of places.
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