This paper analyzes the evolution of local responses implemented during the pandemic in three Italian inner areas, focusing on services aimed at the elderly population (over 70). Based on two phases of research (semi-structured interviews with social and healthcare professionals and older adults conducted between 2021 and 2022; a follow-up through structured interviews with the same professionals between 2024 and 2025), the study explores the continuity, changes, interruptions, and fragility of the adopted solutions. The analysis shows that, in some contexts, social innovations found forms of consolidation thanks to the presence of rooted relational networks, collective reflexivity, and inclusive local leadership. In other cases, however, these responses dissolved, revealing the structural fragility of territorial welfare. Social innovation emerges as a situated process, whose sustainability depends on local balances between resources, institutions, and social relations.
Il contributo analizza l’evoluzione delle risposte locali attivate durante la pandemia in tre aree interne italiane, ponendo attenzione ai servizi rivolti alla popolazione anziana (over 70). Attraverso due fasi di ricerca (interviste semi-strutturate a operatori socio-sanitari e anziani over 70, condotte tra il 2021 e il 2022; follow-up tramite interviste strutturate con gli stessi professionisti socio-sanitari tra il 2024 e il 2025), si esplorano continuità, cambiamenti, interruzioni e criticità delle soluzioni adottate. L’analisi mostra come, in alcuni contesti, le innovazioni sociali abbiano trovato forme di consolidamento grazie alla presenza di reti relazionali radicate, alla capacità di riflessività collettiva e a leadership locali inclusive. In altri casi, invece, tali risposte si sono dissolte, rivelando la fragilità strutturale del welfare territoriale. L’innovazione sociale emerge come un processo situato, la cui sostenibilità dipende da equilibri locali tra risorse, istituzioni e relazioni
Alberio, M., Plachesi, R. (2025). Oltre l’emergenza pandemica: cosa resta oggi delle innovazioni sociali e dei servizi per gli anziani nelle aree interne e rurali?. ECONOMIA E SOCIETÀ REGIONALE, 2, 55-66 [10.3280/ES2025-002005].
Oltre l’emergenza pandemica: cosa resta oggi delle innovazioni sociali e dei servizi per gli anziani nelle aree interne e rurali?
Marco Alberio;Rebecca Plachesi
2025
Abstract
This paper analyzes the evolution of local responses implemented during the pandemic in three Italian inner areas, focusing on services aimed at the elderly population (over 70). Based on two phases of research (semi-structured interviews with social and healthcare professionals and older adults conducted between 2021 and 2022; a follow-up through structured interviews with the same professionals between 2024 and 2025), the study explores the continuity, changes, interruptions, and fragility of the adopted solutions. The analysis shows that, in some contexts, social innovations found forms of consolidation thanks to the presence of rooted relational networks, collective reflexivity, and inclusive local leadership. In other cases, however, these responses dissolved, revealing the structural fragility of territorial welfare. Social innovation emerges as a situated process, whose sustainability depends on local balances between resources, institutions, and social relations.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
