Since the Covid 19 pandemic, small Italian villages, known as ‘borghi’, have experienced increased depopulation, limited services and inadequate transport, leading to a progressive state of neglect and degeneration despite their historical key role in urban development. This article explores what combinations of strategic factors could be implemented at local government level to increase the attractiveness of hamlets, particularly in the context of post-pandemic revitalization efforts. A qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) was applied to 11 Italian small villages. Data triangulation was ensured by collecting information through interviews with the mayors of the participating
Keywords: local government, strategy, small villages, qualitative comparative analysis
Mastrodascio M., Ciangola K., Giordano F. (2026), Local government strategies for small villages' regeneration: A configurational approach, Azienda Pubblica, 1, pp. 233-259, Doi: 10.30448/AP.2026.1.09
