Local Action Groups and Community-Based Enterprises: Fostering Aggregation and Local Development towards a Long-Term Vision for Rural Areas

In recent decades, rural areas faced worsening peripheralisation due to limited public services, reduced job opportunities, and population decline. Local Action Groups (LAGs) emerged as a policy response to these challenges. At the same time, in the Italian rural and peripheral areas, Community-based Enterprises (mostly Cooperatives) are emerging as innovative actors addressing local needs, gaining traction to revitalise deprived areas. This study examines the link between LAGs and Communitybased Cooperatives, focusing on actions taken by LAGs to support their development. Qualitative research uncovers insights into their interconnection, factors influencing LAGs decisions, and potential for synergies to foster alternative rural development.