Imprese, risorse e sviluppo: ipotesi e dibattito intorno ai distretti culturali

[Machine translation] In Italy, the issue of the enhancement of cultural heritage has had a discontinuous and laborious evolution, thus limiting the recognition of the potential of the country's environmental and cultural resources. However, the critical issues that characterize the management of culture at the national level can be addressed with greater chances of success through cultural districts. Areas of significant historical, cultural and landscape interest, cultural districts represent an example of possible development thanks to the mobilization and interaction of a plurality of actors present in the territory. Cultural organizations, public administration, entrepreneurs and professionals, integrating their respective functions and skills, share strategies to enhance local resources and generate new visions of economic and social development. Starting in 2005, the Cariplo Foundation has designed and promoted a project aimed at identifying and creating cultural districts in Lombardy. Experts in economics, administrative law, conservation and enhancement of the historical-architectural heritage took part in the project, who collaborated with the territories involved. This volume provides us with a critical account of the early stages of this experience and offers us an innovative model of intervention.