The Role Of Private Funding And Collaborative Networks In Southern Italy’s Socio-Economic Development: Insights From The Fondazione Con Il Sud

This study addresses the persistent economic, social, and infrastructural disparities between Northern and Southern Italy, known as the “Southern Question.” Despite numerous public interventions, these disparities remain. This research adopts a Positive Thinking-based evaluative approach to challenge the chronic pessimism surrounding the effectiveness of development initiatives in Southern Italy. Drawing on theories by Judith Tendler and Albert Hirschman, the study focuses on understanding what fosters or hinders positive changes by analyzing 205 projects funded by the “Fondazione con il Sud.” The study reveals that the sustainability of these projects is closely linked to the types of relational contexts or network strategies within which they operate. These contexts include casual/opportunistic collaborations, third-sector networks, and community relations. The research employs a goal-free evaluation approach inspired by Scriven, allowing the observation of projects without theoretical biases and capturing the richness and complexity of the specific realities. The methodology involves qualitative and quantitative analyses, including self-assessment questionnaires and remote interviews, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings indicate that while casual/opportunistic collaborations tend to dissolve post-funding, third-sector networks and community relations promote the sustainability of project actions, ensuring their continuity over time. The study concludes that relational dynamics play a crucial role in the success and longevity of development initiatives, highlighting the importance of fostering strong community and network relations to achieve sustainable positive changes. The practical implications suggest that policymakers and development planners should prioritize strengthening community and network relations to enhance project sustainability.