Abstract

This paper aims to clarify the existing differences between the economic analysis of common goods and the everyday use of the term. Despite that the commons are unquestionably an interdisciplinary issue, the economic analysis of the commons is seen as a useful tool to foster a general reflection on the topic. In particular, it allows us to highlight some inconsistencies in the current debate (e.g., the «inclusion paradox») as well as to overcome some key misunderstandings that can generate errors of perspective and, consequently, wrong strategies of economic policy. To this end, the paper reports the experience of normative regulations of the natural and cultural heritage of the Apulia Region. It is seen as a useful paradigm to transform the legitimate aspirations of inclusion and active citizenship for the fruition of the natural and cultural assets expressed by the Regional Authority into effective economic policies and models of sustainable development.