ABSTRACT
The work deals with a wide range of topics on regional and urban economic dynamics analyzed at different territorial scales. One of the main topics is represented by the evolution of landscape also in connection with the existing socioeconomic inequalities and differences. In addition, a special focus deserves the landscape design aimed at the development of local communities and environmental values. The concept of “smart city”, beyond the economic and competitive attractiveness, calls for attributes as social cohesion and environmental sustainability. Within this context, cooperation acquires a renewed importance, exceeding that of competition. A distinguished own identity, that highlights and promotes differences prevails on mere imitations of established models, conceived to be tested somewhere else. Therefore, the real challenge, for the rising “smart communities” is the worth attributed to landscape considered as environmental good.
