Social Innovation in Rural Areas: Evidence from Italian Community Cooperatives

European rural areas are facing major challenges, from strong depopulation dynamics to economic and cultural depressions. Simultaneously, these areas, with their own attributes, may serve as fertile grounds for novel growth potential via tangible cases of social innovation. This study looks at the role of community cooperatives, a new model of social innovation, as promoters of the sustainable development of rural areas. The phenomenon of community cooperatives has recently emerged on the Italian national scene, and, over time, it is carving out an increasingly important role within rural development processes. A study based on Italian case studies located in the Marche Region is conducted to highlight the role and the characteristics of these realities. Desk research, analysis and semi-structured interviews were utilized as a technique for gathering data. Results show that these realities do have a positive impact on communities, although in many cases it is still limited. A supportive policy is required to ensure resources for these entities.