The Social and Solidarity economy Districts (SSD) in Trentino
About this good practice
The Autonomous Province of Trento, an Alpine region in Italy, is predominantly rural, with 166 small municipalities of 500-1,000 inhabitants. It stands out as a cooperative district due to its 400 cooperatives and 255,000 members, nearly half of its 542,166 population. While Trentino ranks high in GDP per capita in Italy, its peripheral areas face challenges such as weak services, low economic dynamism, and depopulation, impacting communities, the welfare system, and the elderly. The 2000s global economic crisis deeply affected its economic and social fabric, exposing weaknesses and necessitating new approaches to social services. Traditional "welfarism" proved insufficient, prompting a shift towards engaging society to promote social cohesion and territorial development. This strategy aimed to synergize social, economic, labor, and cultural policies. In 2010, Trento introduced Provincial Law 13/2010, designed to support solidarity economy initiatives and prioritize civil, social, and economic development. The law established Solidarity Economy Districts (SSD) as laboratories for experimentation, leveraging local resources based on equity, environmental, and socio-economic sustainability. SSDs facilitate local production, goods and services consumption, financing, and work integration for vulnerable populations. Stakeholders include social enterprises, financial institutions and public entities, creating a collaborative framework for community-driven development.
Resources needed
Financially, SSD are self-sustaining, with a model that generates internal incentives through interconnected production, distribution, and job placement networks, as well as a variety of products and services.
Evidence of success
Trentino currently has 6 thematic SSD, alongside 2 territorial SSD. Since 2021, the Centre for the Solidarity Economy has promoted awareness, knowledge, and involvement in the Social and Solidarity Economy. It supports entities in creating SSD through conferences, communication materials, training, and strategic guidance. The Centre actively helps existing and start-up SSD with governance tools and reporting strategies.
Potential for learning or transfer
The SSD model is a best practice for fostering sustainable and inclusive development. It promotes economic resilience by prioritizing local production, consumption, and employment, enabling communities to better withstand economic shocks. SSD drive inclusive growth, ensuring marginalized populations have access to opportunities, reducing inequality, and advancing equitable development. SSDs champion environmental sustainability through eco-friendly practices like sustainable production, waste reduction, and renewable energy use, aligning with global sustainability goals. SSD act as hubs of innovation, developing creative solutions to social and environmental challenges. Facilitating cross-sector collaboration among governments, businesses, and civil society, SSD maximize resources and tackle complex issues. Their holistic approach integrates social, environmental, cultural, and economic values, making them a transferable model for sustainable development.
