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Understanding Sustainability and Innovation: A Collection of Survey Evidence from Italian Contexts

Author

Listed:
  • Davide Antonioli

    (Department of Economics and Management, University of Ferrara; Sustainability Environmental Economics and Dynamics Studies (SEEDS))

  • Elisa Chioatto

    (Department of Economics and Management, University of Ferrara; Sustainability Environmental Economics and Dynamics Studies (SEEDS))

  • Ginevra Coletti

    (Department of Economics and Management, University of Ferrara; Sustainability Environmental Economics and Dynamics Studies (SEEDS))

  • Asia Guerreschi

    (Department of Economics and Management, University of Ferrara; Sustainability Environmental Economics and Dynamics Studies (SEEDS))

  • Susanna Mancinelli

    (Department of Economics and Management, University of Ferrara; Sustainability Environmental Economics and Dynamics Studies (SEEDS))

  • Massimiliano Mazzanti

    (Department of Economics and Management, University of Ferrara; Sustainability Environmental Economics and Dynamics Studies (SEEDS))

  • Giuseppe Rocco

    (Department of Economics and Management, University of Ferrara; Sustainability Environmental Economics and Dynamics Studies (SEEDS))

  • Emy Zecca

    (Department of Economics and Management, University of Ferrara; Sustainability Environmental Economics and Dynamics Studies (SEEDS))

Abstract

This paper presents a collection of large-scale empirical surveys investigating how Italian territories, firms, institutions, and communities are navigating processes of sustainability, innovation, and socio-economic transformation. The document brings together five original surveys covering: (i) sustainable school mobility in Ferrara (Walking School Bus), (ii) innovation and circular economy practices among Italian manufacturing firms (TINKER project), (iii) circular-oriented innovation in the Emilia–Romagna construction sector (SPIDER project), (iv) sustainability, circularity and innovation strategies among regional firms within the ECOSISTER project, (v) circular and digital innovation in Italian manufacturing cooperatives (Climate Circular Coop), and (vi) socio-economic impacts of cultural heritage on tourists and residents (Cultural Heritage Impact Survey). Each survey relies on structured sampling strategies and mixed CAWI/CATI methodologies and provides a comprehensive dataset on behavioural, organisational, and contextual dynamics. Together, these contributions offer a multidimensional empirical framework for analysing Italy’s twin transition—ecological and digital—and the role of local contexts, human capital, financial constraints, and institutional frameworks in shaping sustainability pathways.

Suggested Citation

  • Davide Antonioli & Elisa Chioatto & Ginevra Coletti & Asia Guerreschi & Susanna Mancinelli & Massimiliano Mazzanti & Giuseppe Rocco & Emy Zecca, 2025. "Understanding Sustainability and Innovation: A Collection of Survey Evidence from Italian Contexts," SEEDS Working Papers 1725, SEEDS, Sustainability Environmental Economics and Dynamics Studies, revised Dec 2025.
    • Handle: RePEc:srt:wpaper:1725
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