The Italian Network for Rural Development: Challenges and Weaknesses

This paper offers an empirical analysis of the Network in EC rural development policies. Taking into account some of the elements of a network system, like accreditation of the framework, the competences involved and management flexibility, we focus on the experience of the Italian Rural Network, established in 2008 by the Italian Ministero delle politiche agricole, alimentari e forestali in order to follow with closer attention application of the interventions in the agricultural sector. Outlining its purposes, its organizational structure and the activities realized, we have endeavoured to highlight the opportunities as well as the constraints that currently characterise its implementation. Our thesis is that the Network, if well managed, can represent an apt tool to face the challenges of the national rural and agricultural development policy, playing a strategic role especially over the long term, with a view to the new Reform.