Neo-Population: A Potential Remedy for the Depopulation Crisis in Inner Regions

In the historical context of migration and depopulation in Sicily's inland areas (IA), this project aims to assess the potential of relocating migrants (neo-population (NP)) to enhance human capital in rural Sicilian centres. The research identifies suitable IA, conducts demographic and skills assessments, and explores the challenges and advantages of relocation. The goal is to develop effective tools aligned with Natl. and EU financial instruments (NEFI), fostering sustainable NP and contributing to long-term economic, social, and quality-of-life improvements. The research evaluates immigration impact, emphasizing positive and negative effects, particularly in less-explored IA. The four-phase project includes identifying the intervention area, analysing territorial phenomena, examining the interaction between incoming immigrant flows and outgoing local population flows, stratifying foreign human capital based on skills, assessing the segregation risk, and developing models and guidelines aligned with the NEFI. The objective is to support sustainable local development and facilitate effective NP for positive economic and social outcomes. The goal is to create an innovative model countering demographic decline through strategic relocation of skilled migrants, promoting sustainable enhancement of natural capital, expanded services, and enhancing overall appeal of IA to foreign human capital and external economic resources.