Smart Villages in the Madonie Park. A Relevant Network for the Competitiveness and Enhancement of a Sicilian Inner Rural Area

Abstract

This Research provides an in-depth analysis of the challenges and opportunities within Italy’s inner areas, with a specific focus on the Madonie Park in Sicily and its 21 municipalities. It promotes sustainable development and context-sensitive technological solutions within the Madonie UNESCO Geopark—a protected area renowned for its exceptional natural and cultural heritage—through the implementation of Smart Villages. The study’s key outcomes include an extensive atlas of technological solutions, and a comprehensive set of strategies and innovations tailored to regional requirements, ensuring compatibility with built heritage constraints while enabling sustainable progress. Additionally, it offers detailed guidelines, best practices, management protocols, and business models to empower local communities with actionable tools for sustainable transformation. The pilot case guidelines for the village of Polizzi Generosa provide a practical and replicable model for transforming these territories into “smart” areas, consistent with the European Strategy for Smart Villages. This integrated method- ology effectively combines the rehabilitation and enhancement of historical and architectural heritage with sustainable repopulation strategies, allowing commu- nities to embrace modern living standards while preserving cultural identity and traditions. The proposed solutions are both context-specific and adaptable, ensur- ing their applicability to other marginal areas through analogical or contrasting approaches. By integrating heritage preservation, sustainable technologies, and community revitalization, this study highlights the role of technology as a catalyst for inclusivity, accessibility, and resilience. It presents a scalable framework for the regeneration of Italian inner areas and similar regions globally.