Territorial Governance and the Social Economy in Migrants’ Reception. The Case of Romagna Faentina in Central Italy

In this chapter we analyse cooperative and collaborative solutions at several levels (individuals, organisations, networks, local authorities), which are applied to different dimensions of the migration issue in Italy, a context where opportunities and capabilities for migrants and local communities at large can be developed. Social enterprises emerged historically to incorporate these elements, since they are characterised by a social objective, cooperation, and inclusive governance. Specific policy solutions require elements of public leadership that recognise the desirability of processes based on deliberative democracy and civic engagement in the management of migration flows, which entail the necessity of cooperation and inclusion within a multi-stakeholder context characterized by potential conflict and emergency. We deepen the case of migration policy and administration in some the municipalities in the most socially oriented part of the country (Central Italy), which renowned for high levels of social capital and social inclusion. Our case study clearly highlights a strong pattern in which the pivotal role of public agencies is necessary to create and run the whole system, but, at one and the same time, is also strongly supplemented by civil society organizations in the social economy. These organizations add to the satisfaction of the most fundamental needs of migrants, elements of social innovation, creativity, involvement and social progress, which could not be imagined in their absence. Identification of suitable public agencies and local actors appears to be an unavoidable feature of public policy if the integration of migrants and social regeneration are to be achieved.