Rurality and Competitiveness. Some Observations on the Local Area: The Case of the Sardinian Region

The article presents the results of a study on the classification of municipalities in the Region of Sardinia (Italy) based on the relationship between existing levels of rurality/urbanity and competitiveness in order to evaluate similarities and differences. The study was carried out via multivariate analysis of two sets of indicators, defining the two issues and a subsequent comparison of the results. Not only a clear link, but also signs of inconsistency arose from the study between urbanity and competitiveness. If, generally speaking, the municipalities close to conditions of urbanity are characterized by conditions of greater competitiveness and well-being, from the point of view of population dynamics, their performance is somewhat disappointing. An increase in the level of rurality does not always correspond to a higher degree of discomfort, although this tendency still represents the normal condition. Identifying and analyzing these situations might constitute an important step towards building more specific rural development strategies. Recommendations are therefore made regarding the need for further research on these issues in order to improve the quality and relevance of information used by public policymakers.