Sustainable Rural Development and Territorial Intelligence Innovation. in Conflict Scenarios and Transitions

Over time, regional economic models for rural development have been subject to various interpretations of rurality. The first part of this article provides a comprehensive overview of the sequential emergence of approaches to rural development. In the current context, pursuing sustainability as a fundamental goal of rural development requires innovative strategies for territorial intervention. We recognize the immediate need for a renewed vision of sustainable development, which actively involves the territories and their stakeholders in long-term strategic planning. The article explores the need for innovative development paradigms in rural areas. As an original contribution to the existing literature, we introduce the framework of Territorial Intelligence Innovation (TII). This framework is designed to foster democratic participation processes within rural communities. The investigation is stimulated by the significant economic disparities in the European spatial landscape, highlighting the urgency of transformative approaches to rural development.