Territorial Rebalancing from an Axiological Perspective: A Reaction Capacity Index of Sicily’s Inner Areas

The marginalisation of the inner areas due to increased social, material, economic and infrastructural vulnerability is a growing phenomenon affecting many countries today. Although, specific policies, measures, and funding have recently been proposed to address this issue, they have been slow to produce the expected results. Those responsible for decision-makers regarding the prospect of territorial rebalancing need support in identifying the residual value of these marginal areas. This will help them recognise where and how this value can be emphasised in an integrated, long-term redevelopment process. Based on an axiological perspective of territorial capital forms, the research project has developed a “Geo-referenced Value-based Knowledge Model” using Multi-attribute Value Theory (MAVT). It plays a key role in estimating the Reaction Capability Index (𝐼􀯋􀮼􀯂 ) of Sicily’s “inner areas”. The results demonstrate the reaction capability of the municipalities in these areas. As a measure of the overall endowment of territorial capital, the 𝐼􀯋􀮼􀯂 index can help decision-makers National Strategy Inner Areas (NSIA), promote the efficient use of resources, and encourage the effective implementation of policies aimed at rebalancing the territory.