Rowing against decline: regional innovation systems and marginality in the era of digital transition

Digitalisation is crucial for local development, and post-Covid European policies are driving this transformation to boost the continent’s development. Despite significant national investment plans, not all regional areas are ready for digital transition, risking further developmental gaps. This article analyses the Regional Innovation System (RIS) in Sicily, Italy, as a case study. The aim is to assess regional readiness and adaptability during this transition, adopting the perspective of a marginal and increasingly depressed economic area. Using a mixed-method approach, combining different data sources, the study emphasises the importance of collaborative networks and trust relationships for successful digital transition. Weak public coordination and institutional shortcomings hinder Sicily’s RIS, despite the limited success of private initiatives attempting to bridge the gap by acting as binding agents.