Special Economic Zones as a tool for relaunching marginal territories: the sicilian case study

The paper aims to explore the concept of Special Economic Zones as a tool for the participatory management of territorial resources, analyzing in this context their key role in addressing the issue of socio-economic marginalization that affects a part of the Italian territory. The main objective of the research is to understand how the SEZs can facilitate the conservation and enhancement of the economic system, promoting at the same time the sustainable development of local communities and territorial cohesion. The methodology is based on a review of the available literature on the concept of special economic zones, and their role in the management of territorial heritage, with particular reference to the Sicily region. The results of the research would tend to indicate that SEZs can act as a catalyst for management and enhancement, actively involving local communities in the conservation and enhancement of their territories.