A multi dimentional analysis on the competitiveness factors to be enhanced in Sicily and Sardinia

The paper aims at presenting the main results emerging from a multi-dimensional analysis developed by a cross-curricular research group, properly focused on the competitiveness factors of two main Mediterranean islands: Sicily and Sardinia. Since 2009 the partnership has been involved in the annual RCAU competitiveness Report (Rapporto di Competitività delle Aree Urbane Italiane) to support investment strategies related to the JESSICA revolving funds (Joint European Support for Sustainable Investments in City Areas), thanks to the operative contribution of the European Bank for Investments and the “CDP- Italian Deposits and Loans Bank”. Due to the strong dependence on air and sea connections, both Regions, since 1948, have a special status that let them to rule some fiscal facilities, such as to grant tax benefits. However, despite this facility and other local territorial opportunities, the two islands suffer from both structural and cyclical weaknesses. They are in fact facing a lack of material and immaterial resources, useful to improve their competitiveness within and beyond their own shore lines. The strategic value of the analysis can be summed up in three main points: the collected data consistency (77 indicators covering demography, economy, environment, real estate, social and infrastructural issues), the opportunity of comparing territorial performances at different aggregation scales (moving from the Italian 110 Provinces level -NUTs- up to the national one), and the chance to process geo-referred maps representing systemic and specific risks of each urban area (both according to present and 2030 predictions). Thanks to the time series collected, the data can detect the impacts of the current financial turmoil on the two regions, trying to suggest which urban areas are majorly hit by the decreasing of resources and trustiness, needing, and at the same time, public and private interventions. Sicily and Sardinia, although presenting different critical situations, can challenge for a more dynamic future. Some examples can refer to the empowerment of sustainable green buildings, tourism seasonality mitigation, service sector enhancement, in order to make them more attractive and dynamic. In other words these actions can have a positive impact on youth employment, household income and real estate values. From this point of view the analysis can improve a strategic vision on Sicily and Sardinia, enabling institutional stakeholders to convey demographic, social, economic and real estate dynamics towards urban regeneration and growth.