Social Innovation, Territorial Capital and LEADER Experiences in Andalusia (Spain) and in Molise (Italy)

Abstract

Neo-endogenous approaches to local development in rural areas are today a question of important debate. In the implementation of rural development, it is very unlikely to find genuinely and exclusively endogenous policies. It is therefore advisable to set aside the overly simplistic distinction between exogenous and endogenous, and explore the outcomes of a hybrid version of these approaches, such as neo-endogenous development. This approach involves the active participation of local stakeholders, a process which, according to the literature, can be achieved via “social innovation”. Using in-depth interviews with stakeholders, the dynamics, actors and processes involved in social innovation are explored in two significant cases in Italy (Castel del Giudice) and Spain (Huéscar). These are remote, marginal municipalities with serious economic and social problems that have embarked on interesting paths towards development by harnessing both local territorial capital and external support.