Oltre la pianificazione: Unità di Progetto come nuovo modello di governance urbana per i territori complessi

Abstract

Contemporary cities face complex challenges that strain traditional public governance models. The Municipality of Reggio Emilia has initiated an institutional reorganisation focused on impact and public value. Moving from an output- to an impact-oriented approach, it introduced Project Units—flexible, integrated structures designed to address collective issues in a participatory way. The aim is to enhance internal collaboration, engage the community, and promote context-based policy experimentation that leverages local assets. The Stazione district acts as a laboratory of sociocratic urban governance, grounded in cross-sector cooperation, co-design, and shared responsibility. Urban regeneration is framed as an adaptive and relational process. The paper examines key challenges and success factors—organisational resistance, impact evaluation, transformative leadership, and continuous learning—highlighting how local government can evolve into an adaptive actor able to co-produce sustainable and inclusive urban policies.