ROOTS TO FUTURE

Small peripheral municipalities across Europe face common challenges, including declining local economic activity, limited employment opportunities, the loss of traditional skills and difficulties in attracting and retaining younger generations. At the same time, many of these territories possess a distinctive cultural, productive and environmental heritage that remains underused as a driver of economic development.

ROOTS TO FUTURE aims to develop a transferable model of local economic revitalisation by transforming traditional resources and local identities into new opportunities for entrepreneurship, employment and sustainable tourism.

Starting from Presicce-Acquarica in southern Italy, where olive oil production and traditional rush craftsmanship represent important elements of local heritage, the project will explore how traditional skills, local products and cultural assets can be connected with innovation, new business models, contemporary design and emerging markets.

A key element will be the development of a territorial branding strategy that builds on local identity and connects traditional products, craftsmanship, historic centres, rural landscapes and local experiences within a coherent and recognisable territorial offer. Rather than being limited to communication and promotion, branding will be used as a tool to strengthen local value chains, improve the visibility and market positioning of local businesses, and develop tourism experiences capable of generating economic benefits for producers, artisans, hospitality providers and other local operators.

Through transnational cooperation, participating municipalities will exchange experiences, engage local businesses and communities, identify new entrepreneurial opportunities and develop integrated local action plans. These will combine heritage valorisation, business development, skills transfer, territorial branding and tourism promotion, while encouraging the participation of young people and aspiring entrepreneurs.

The expected outcome is a replicable approach that enables small European municipalities to turn their distinctive local roots into a competitive advantage, strengthening local economies, creating new employment opportunities, increasing territorial attractiveness and supporting more resilient communities.

ROOTS TO FUTURE: preserving what makes places unique, transforming it into opportunities for the future.