Using innovation as a tool for inverting emigration trends in Dropull. How digital manufacturing could leap the technological gap and strengthen the connection between the community and its territory.

Abstract

Understanding a complex territory Dropull municipality is one of the “newest” municipalities created as a result of the territorial reform that reorganized Albania passing from 384 administrative units and municipalities to 61 new municipalities. Located in the south-eastern part of Albania, this municipality is part of Gjirokastra region. It is neighbored to the east by the national border with Greece. The historically good cross-border relationship with Greece has always been reinforced by the presence of Greek minority living in this municipality. In Albania 2-3% of the population is composed by minorities, and in the case of Dropull municipality this population represents a very significant part of the total population of 7,128. (Census: Instat 2011). Dropull is an important gateway in connection with Greece, the main infrastructure route connecting the capital with Greece goes through the municipality, connecting all 41 villages to each other and the economic areas in-between. However, the lack of complementary secondary and tertiary infrastructure and the structure and nature of the economic sectors has increased the abandonment and decay of some urban areas. More than 479 buildings in this municipality are abandoned and in a ruined state. Some of them represent entire neighborhoods, impacting urban space quality, infrastructure and environmental conditions as well.