Giusy Pappalardo

La sfida della coproduzione per i contratti di fiume nelle aree interne, guardando da sud. Riflessioni a margine di un processo di ricerca-azione in Sicilia

Introduction

La sfida della coproduzione per i contratti di fiume nelle aree interne, guardando da sud. Riflessioni a margine di un processo di ricerca-azione in sicilia. Analisi delle sfide di coproduzione per i contratti di fiume nelle aree interne siciliane. Uno studio sull'Accordo Simeto esplora governance e coordinamento.

Abstract

Within the debate on coproduction, framed as an immanent characteristic of strategic spatial planning aimed at enhancing transformative processes, the paper questions the difficulties and limits that emerged from a long-term action-research partnership leading to the experimentation of the Simeto River Agreement, a river contract in an inner area of Sicily. By discussing some phases of the process through a critical lens, the author, based on her direct engagement in it, reflects on the challenges associated with the co-productive approach experienced in a river valley: issues of scale, governance and coordination with other strategic programmes within the Italian territorial cohesion policy. Finally, the paper calls for a reflection on agonism in co-productive planning, as a way of strengthening the relationship between civil society and public institutions.

Review

This paper offers a timely and important contribution to the ongoing discourse on coproduction in strategic spatial planning, particularly through the lens of river contracts in challenging 'inner areas' of Southern Italy. Drawing on a long-term action-research partnership focused on the Simeto River Agreement in Sicily, the author critically examines the practical difficulties and inherent limits of implementing co-productive approaches. The strength of this work lies in its direct, engaged perspective, offering a nuanced and grounded assessment of a complex planning process, moving beyond theoretical ideals to confront real-world challenges. The core contribution of the paper is its detailed unpacking of the Simeto River Agreement case study, serving as a rich empirical example of coproduction's struggles and potential. Through a critical discussion of various phases, the author expertly highlights crucial issues such as the complexities of defining appropriate scales for intervention, the intricacies of multi-level governance, and the significant challenges of coordinating with other strategic programmes within the broader Italian territorial cohesion policy framework. The action-research methodology, underpinned by the author's direct involvement, is a notable asset, providing an authentic and deeply contextualized understanding of the process's dynamics, strengths, and inherent limitations. Beyond simply cataloging difficulties, the paper thoughtfully advances a crucial call for reflecting on the role of agonism within co-productive planning. This proposition is particularly significant as it suggests a more robust and realistic approach to fostering the relationship between civil society and public institutions, acknowledging inherent power differentials and conflicting interests rather than seeking their erasure. The insights generated from this Sicilian case resonate far beyond the specific context, offering valuable lessons for similar participatory planning initiatives in other inner or peripheral areas facing issues of institutional capacity and socio-economic disparity. Overall, this paper makes a compelling case for a more critical, engaged, and ultimately more effective understanding of coproduction.

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