Il valore socioeconomico del patrimonio culturale nella promozione dello sviluppo sostenibile

The strategic link between cultural heritage and urban welfare takes on a particular connotation in the role of service provision within a network of socio-economic revitalization, where local development prerogatives become the reference matrix. Cultural heritage is a dynamic component of this framework, contributing to economic, social, and environmental sustainability while preserving local identity. Local development has evolved as a response to the challenges posed by globalization. It aims to address disparities and foster competitiveness at the local level. This evolution has seen a shift towards a more integrated approach, where competitiveness needs to be managed to counteract other variables arising from the global-local transition, such as increased environmental vulnerability, illegal immigration, social exclusion, and new social poverty, leading to considerable growth in urban and territorial disparities. Urban transformation plays a central role in this process, with urban welfare emerging as a key objective. The provision of services becomes a complex endeavour driving the concept of the "public city" as a framework for sustainable urban development, integrating considerations of globalization, digitalization, and environmental sustainability. The essays collected in this part of the volume explore different aspects of this framework, including the role of cultural heritage in European cohesion policies, the relationship between heritage conservation and local development, and the integration of cultural heritage into urban planning for resilience and sustainability. Case studies highlight the importance of inclusive accessibility and the regeneration of peripheral areas in achieving sustainable urban development. They emphasize the need for integrated approaches that address the complex challenges facing contemporary cities.