Abstract

The design of objectives and rules for the investment in Southern Italy of about 44 million Euro of public resources linked to EU regional policy in the years 2000-2006 is described in the note as an opportunity for a radical change in Italian policy for the use of its cultural heritage. This is seen as one of the principle resources of the South to be made more accessible to both citizens and firms through appropriate public investments and urban and rural planning. The key issue of past failures is seen as the lack of an appropriate, technically adequate and effective process of project building. New rules have established to create a strong incentive for local public administrations to start this process, to strengthen their technical capabilities, and to monitor results. Progress in the action and lobbying of associations of private firms is also necessary at this point.