Abstract

The article aims to contribute to the sociological debate on recent transformations in regulation processes of labour and social policies at territorial level in a Southern Italian region. In recent years, the new models of government are characterized by a lower hierarchical control as well as by a greater involvement of private actors. In addition, local dimension achieved more and more importance and it becomes the place where dealing with and solving the problems of citizens. In this scenario it emerges as innovative and relevant the role, as «civic entrepreneurs», played by trade unions, employers' organizations that, throughout different modalities and practices, realize and implement initiatives directed to integrate schemes, programs and services delivered by the State. Thus, the social dialogue among public institutions, social parties and civil society organizations represent a great opportunity to promote the economic growth, social cohesion and the sustainability of development processes. This is particularly significant in areas that, like Calabria, still present strong economic and social gaps as opposed to other Italian regions. The aim is to understand the ongoing processes at local level, the changes in the role of the main actors and the new governance, what are the outcomes in terms of policies, practices and strategies adopted by both public and private actors in order to face the new challenges and risks raised by the economic and financial crisis that strengthened the gaps as well as increased inequalities among the Italian regions.