ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines some problems and some solutions to the governance issue by reporting on a Territorial competitiveness policy experiment, implementing a European policy for economic development, recently undertaken in the Italian Mezzogiorno. It also outlines the Mezzogiorno policy experiment, together with a brief sketch of the vital statistics of the area and of the European policy framework. The chapter explains the main novelties of Territorial Competitiveness Policies (TCPs) implemented through the Mezzogiorno Plan. It presents that the governance model which was enacted. Since 1992-93, profound changes have taken place in the Mezzogiorno's economy and society which have created new opportunities for its development. Protected natural areas represent seven percent of the Mezzogiorno, the same share as in Central and Northern Italy. The Mezzogiorno experience has shown that the success of territorial pacts was basically brought to a halt between 1996 and 1999 by the lack of central government credibility in setting deadlines.
