Abstract

The aim of this paper is to delve into the model of economic development of two highly peripheral regions on a continental, as well as national, scale: Tierra del Fuego, in Argentina, and Calabria, in Italy. The characteristics and determinants of their socio-economic development, the competitive and locational advantages and disadvantages, and the role played by policies are analysed in depth. The analysis follows a case study approach and is based on a mixed methodology. On the one hand, quantitative data from Argentine and Italian institutional sources are used to analyse the key economic characteristics of the two regions; on the other hand, data from qualitative surveys are used, specifically from a series of semi-structured direct interviews with privileged observers and stakeholders, conducted in both countries. The results of the analysis offer interesting, and in some respects surprising, insights into the paths and drivers of development of highly peripheral areas, which do not necessarily always «pay» for the disadvantages deriving from their geographical location