Papers by Michele Bianchi
D4.3 10 country reports on economic impacts This document presents a qualitative assessment of TC... more D4.3 10 country reports on economic impacts This document presents a qualitative assessment of TCNs economic impact in the studied remote and rural regions of MATILDE countries – Austria, Bulgaria, Finland, Germany, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Turkey and in the United Kingdom – and in the framework of the foundational economy.
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Journal of Rural Studies, 2023
New dynamics of local development have shed the light on the possible revitalization of European ... more New dynamics of local development have shed the light on the possible revitalization of European rural and mountain areas. A key element in these dynamics is the international migration fluxes that have these areas as new destinations. Newcomers’ arrivals to rural and mountain areas represent both an opportunity and a challenge.
They can fill in the gaps in local job markets left by the out-migration of young and the depopulation of remaining locals, but migrants’ integration can present hurdles. Within the complex composition of the integration process, this research analyses the economic aspects related to local entrepreneurs’ behaviours, migrant self-entrepreneurship, the role of the social economy and its effects on local communities. This paper presents results from secondary sources produced by the work of ten research teams – which collaborate on a European project MATILDE Horizon 2020 – based in as many European countries. The consortium agreed on a qualitative research approach, the use of semi-structured interviews, focus groups and participatory observation for data collection, and the “Foundational Economy” as the principal theoretical framework. Then, our research team carried out data extraction and comparison. Results show the diverse features of economic integration,
encompassing local economic actors’ solutions, reactions in the communities, the role of the social economy and migrant entrepreneurship.
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International Journal of Social Economics, 2020
PurposeThis paper promotes a critical approach to co-operative studies by contributing new theore... more PurposeThis paper promotes a critical approach to co-operative studies by contributing new theoretical insights. The aim is to propose a new view on the co-operative firm as a socioeconomic phenomenon embedded into the local contexts in which it is situated. Sociological and economic analyses have mainly explored the relationship between co-operative members and the organization, the economic performance of co-operatives or compared co-operatives with other firm types. Less attention has been given to the co-operative–territory relation, which can reveal insights into members' collective actions, a co-operative's origins from specific social groups or how they establish relationships with certain community stakeholders over others.Design/methodology/approachThe paper begins with a literature review of academic studies that situate co-operatives in relation to community, with a focus on how social capital theory has been deployed to understand this relation. It then proposes ...
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SSRN Electronic Journal, 2019
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Sustainability, 2021
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Social Enterprise Journal, 2020
Purpose This paper aims to examine the relationship between community-owned enterprises and socia... more Purpose This paper aims to examine the relationship between community-owned enterprises and social capital in urban neighbourhoods. Focussing on community-owned pubs (COPs), the paper investigates how social capital elements have a role in generating these innovative organizations, which foster benefits for community members. Design/methodology/approach This qualitative research based on data gathered through 23 semi-structured interviews, in an in-depth case study analysis of three COPs located in Carshalton, Nunhead and Tottenham (all suburbs of London). Findings The paper shows how COPs foster the creation and accumulation of social capital both among their members (bonding capital) and the people living in the neighbourhood (bridging capital). Because of their missions and governance models, COPs create linkages among different people and enable citizens to act together for the common good, thus strengthening the development of a local community and contributing to enhancing the...
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The Journal of Entrepreneurial and Organizational Diversity, 2019
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SSRN Electronic Journal, 2016
During the last years, the regeneration of spaces and buildings inside cities has become an impor... more During the last years, the regeneration of spaces and buildings inside cities has become an important issue, which involves public governments, private actors and the third sector. The failure of neoliberal market-oriented models, as a tool against social exclusion, has led to the re-thinking of local strategies for urban regeneration. A new idea of development has emerged, based on the empowerment of local communities and their potential. It points out the creation of community enterprises for the management of local assets. This paper presents the British context and the evolution of its legislation for the community enterprises. The case study of Hackney Co-operative Developments is presented to show how a community enterprise, set up to respond to local issues can structure its business and can be a generator of social innovation.
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SSRN Electronic Journal, 2018
Italian Abstract: I profondi cambiamenti economici che hanno caratterizzato gli ultimi anni sono ... more Italian Abstract: I profondi cambiamenti economici che hanno caratterizzato gli ultimi anni sono stati studiati sotto molti punti di vista da diversi accademici. La rigenerazione urbana ha suscitato molto interesse, in particolare il tema dell’innovazione sociale (Moulaert e Vicari, 2009; Tricarico e Le Xuan, 2014). Questo lavoro intende sostenere la tesi, portata avanti da diversi autori, secondo la quale un maggior coinvolgimento delle comunità nei processi di rigenerazione è il fattore chiave per un’innovazione sociale nei servizi e nella fruizione degli spazi pubblici. Il focus è sull'insieme di politiche nazionali e progetti dal basso che ha portato la Hackney Co-operative Development (HCD) a strutturare una serie di iniziative di rigenerazione urbana nella zona nell’East-End londinese. Il framework di analisi è basato sulle teorie di Moulaert (2003; 2009; 2013) inerenti l’innovazione sociale, ovvero, l’insieme di azioni di carattere innovativo volte a ridurre esclusione sociale, povertà, scarsità di servizi, mancanza di benessere in una comunità. I vari settori delle comunità, sia pubblico che privati, sono coinvolti in processi di progettazione per la comprensione dei bisogni, l’individuazione di risorse strategiche e l’implementazione di interventi che propongono nuovi approcci alla complessità dei problemi sociali. Il caso studio presenta un’analisi del progetto Gillet Square promosso dalla HCD e avviato nel 2006 a Londra. Il quartiere circostante soffre vari problemi strutturali, dall’alta disoccupazione alla necessità di creare un luogo veramente sociale per tutti, passando per gli effetti negativi della gentrificazione, che migliora i luoghi ma li rende inaccessibili per molte persone. Questa ricerca adotta un approccio qualitativo: sono state realizzate interviste a manager, nonché un’analisi dei report effettuati dalle organizzazioni partner del progetto. La rete di attori pubblici e privati, guidati dall'impegno nella lotta contro l’emarginazione, ha prodotto un luogo pubblico e sociale che lavora per la creazione di un senso di comunità inclusiva. English Abstract: Urban regeneration is not simply a process that affects the physical structure of a place, but it also deals with many other aspects, such as the local social structure and the environmental issues. This article focuses its attention on the inner cities and asks questions on their possible redevelopment. In particular, the question concerns the social innovation of these projects. Social innovation intended as it has been theorized by Moulaert et al. (2003; 2009; 2013) and therefore aimed at finding innovative solutions for a range of problems, such as exclusion, deprivation, poverty, lack of wellbeing. This process involves many actors and fosters inclusion and wellbeing through the implementation of social relations and people empowerment. Community involvement has become more relevant and it can establish important social networks between promoters and citizens. The aim is to present an English case study and the political context that has developed it. This article presents the main features of Gillet Square, a project promoted by Hackney Co-operative Developments (HCD), a community interest company based in the London East End, one of the most disadvantaged areas in England. The nature of the research is qualitative and it assesses the coherency of this project with its objectives and values, how the HCD has worked in partnership with other organisations and the relationships between this case study and the English urban policy. Findings show how a community-led initiative can involve local stakeholders in the regeneration of a critical area and develops a new local asset for the promotion of social cohesion and integration of marginalised people.
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World journal of microbiology & biotechnology, 2017
Fatty acid composition of biological membranes functionally adapts to environmental conditions by... more Fatty acid composition of biological membranes functionally adapts to environmental conditions by changing its composition through the activity of lipid biosynthetic enzymes, including the fatty acid desaturases. Three major desaturases are present in yeasts, responsible for the generation of double bonds in position C9-C10, C12-C13 and C15-C16 of the carbon backbone. In this review, we will report data addressed to define the functional role of basidiomycete and ascomycete yeast desaturase enzymes in response to various external signals and the regulation of the expression of their corresponding genes. Many yeast species have the complete set of three desaturases; however, only the Δ9 desaturase seems to be necessary and sufficient to ensure yeast viability. The evolutionary issue of this observation will be discussed.
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Since the 19 th century, co-operatives have operated for their members’ wealth promoting economic... more Since the 19 th century, co-operatives have operated for their members’ wealth promoting economic activities in different fields. The key characteristic of these firms is the mutuality, which allows members to have a direct benefit working co-operatively for the organization (Zamagni, 2005). Recent economic crisis has encouraged people to demand a new sustainable economy, co-ops can respond because they serve communities’ needs and interests (Vieta & Lionas, 2015); community co-ops are the result of this process. This paper wants to analyse how community co-ops are modifying the co-op structure in order to respond to new social issues. Is the community co-op re-shaping the idea of mutuality? In what way? Community co-operatives are renewing the co-operation model surpassing the classic mutualistic structure, which only provides the co-ops’ members with benefits, and pays their attention to outcomes for the entire community.
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Community Development Journal , 2021
During the last decade, Italian community co-operatives have emerged as a new form of community-d... more During the last decade, Italian community co-operatives have emerged as a new form of community-development organization. The literature on community-based enterprises (CBEs) explains this phenomenon as a community that becomes entrepreneurial and develops locally based businesses for its socio-economic development. Nevertheless, a more critical view of CBEs reveals the partiality of a community’s participation in these organizations. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the extent to which the mainstream theoretical framework for analysing these organizations has influenced the general understanding of this phenomenon. This research brings into discussion social–capital theories, particularly Putnam’s neo-communitarian approach. It also proposes a diverse perspective on CBEs and community development by offering a critical analysis based on Pierre Bourdieu’s works. The present study considers a specific form of CBEs—the community co-operative—with particular reference to the Italian context. Results from an online questionnaire (twenty-nine participants) and a cross-case study analysis (five co-operatives) show that community entrepreneurs have common determined social profiles and these help them to aggregate certain local agents instead of others.
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Sustainability , 2021
(1) Background: The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of objectives and sub-targets ... more (1) Background: The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of objectives and sub-targets that aim to promote a more comprehensive system for sustainability, peace, and social justice. The SDGs propose a more holistic approach to the evolution of society, enlarging the responsibilities and roles for their implementation; therefore, it is worthwhile asking who will be in charge of the processes to develop adequate strategies. (2) Methods: This is a positional paper based on a literature review about the two main topics of this analysis: hybrid organizations and the SDGs' governance. (3) Results: The hybrids combine diverse institutional logics within a unique organizational structure as a central tool for SDG implementation. The scientific literature explains how this organizational form is capable of mitigating possible tensions and trade-offs stemming from its heterogeneity and how hybrid structures can prove to be a useful solution for SDG implementation at the micro-level. (4) Conclusion: Although hybrid organizations can be a valuable aid to sustainable development, the absence of clear-cut coordination and responsibility structures at the macro-level could jeopardize efforts at the micro-level. In light of this hypothesis, this paper argues that hybrid organizations cannot be left in isolation in this mission, especially as the SDGs' rationality is based on a new, holistic vision of development, which exposes a risk of implausibility surrounding macrolevel political forces.
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Journal of European Economic History, 2021
Since the 19 th century, cooperatives have served their members through a system of mutual benefi... more Since the 19 th century, cooperatives have served their members through a system of mutual benefits between members and organisations, aggregating homogeneous stakeholders. Recently, a new direction within the Italian cooperative movement has recognised the value of membership diversification to include different groups of stakeholders. What are the reasons for this change? This study reviews the relevant literature, taking an historical institutional approach to the evolution of the social composition of cooperatives. More generally, the article shows the reciprocal influence between organisations and society, framing the complex socio-political system within which cooperatives have evolved and influenced Italian society.
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Impresa sociale , 2021
Il fenomeno delle cooperative di comunità è recentemente emerso nel panorama nazionale e, con il ... more Il fenomeno delle cooperative di comunità è recentemente emerso nel panorama nazionale e, con il tempo, si sta ritagliando un ruolo sempre più di rilievo all'interno dei processi di sviluppo locale. Sebbene il diba ito scientifico abbia già affrontato lo studio di questa nuova forma cooperativa, definendone il modello e la funzionalità, risulta comunque interessante interrogarsi su quale ruolo rivestano queste forme di cooperazione per le proprie comunità di riferimento. L'obie ivo di questo saggio è proporre una riflessione teorica sul ruolo sociale che le cooperative di comunità stanno conquistando nei territori. Sulla base di un'analisi di dati secondo il metodo della grounded theory si espone la tesi di come le cooperative di comunità stiano colmando dei vuoti d'azione lasciati da altre istituzioni. In questo lavoro si propongono tre chiavi interpretative: 1) le cooperative di comunità come nuove strumenti di partecipazione politica (i ci adini diba ono sul destino delle proprie comunità); 2) le cooperative di comunità come partner strategici degli enti locali in quanto facilitatori della partecipazione dei ci adini; 3) le cooperative di comunità come risposta al bisogno psico-sociale di un maggior "senso di comunità". In generale, questo articolo vuole me ere in evidenza l'innovazione che queste esperienze stanno portando nel diba ito sullo sviluppo locale a raverso l'ibridazione di un modello d'impresa con le dinamiche di partecipazione politica e sociale dal basso.
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Percorsi di Secondo Welfare Working Paper Series , 2021
Percorsi di secondo welfare è un Laboratorio di ricerca che afferisce al Dipartimento di Scienze ... more Percorsi di secondo welfare è un Laboratorio di ricerca che afferisce al Dipartimento di Scienze Sociali e Politiche dell'Università degli Studi di Milano. La sua mission è analizzare e raccontare come sta cambiando il welfare esplorando i nessi fra sostenibilità delle politiche e tutela dei nuovi rischi sociali, in particolare approfondendo le sinergie tra attori pubblici e non. Attraverso le proprie attività di ricerca, informazione, formazione e accompagnamento, Secondo Welfare ambisce a promuovere un dibattito empiricamente fondato, plurale e accessibile. A tale scopo diffonde le proprie analisi attraverso il proprio portale online www.secondowelfare.it, cura i Rapporti sul secondo welfare in Italia e la collana Working Paper 2WEL e realizza ricerche per enti pubblici, privati e non profit. Il Laboratorio, che è oggi fulcro di un ampio network di soggetti che si occupano a vario titolo di ricerca e disseminazione sui temi legati al secondo welfare, svolge le proprie attività istituzionali grazie al supporto di importanti partner.
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International Journal of Social Economics, 2020
Purpose-This paper promotes a critical approach to cooperative studies by contributing new theore... more Purpose-This paper promotes a critical approach to cooperative studies by contributing new theoretical insights. The aim is to propose a new view on the cooperative firm as a socioeconomic phenomenon embedded into the local contexts in which it is situated. Sociological and economic analyses have mainly explored the relationship between cooperative members and the organization, the economic performance of cooperatives or compared cooperatives with other firm types. Less attention has been given to the cooperative territory relation, which can reveal insights into members' collective actions, a co-operative's origins from specific social groups or how they establish relationships with certain community stakeholders over others. Design/methodology/approach-The paper begins with a literature review of academic studies that situate cooperatives in relation to community, with a focus on how social capital theory has been deployed to understand this relation. It then proposes a theoretical examination of two fundamental authors in the field of social capital theory: Robert Putnam and Pierre Bourdieu. Drawing on findings from the literature review and considerations derived from the theoretical dialog between Putnam and Bourdieu, the paper proposes a revised social capital-based framework for analyzing key relations and expected outcomes of the cooperative territory relation. Findings-Reconsidering the role of social capital theory for cooperative studies, this article unfolds a dual reflection. First, it underlines the necessity for research that more closely considers co-operatives' territorial relationships. Second, it critically interrogates and pushes forward social capital theory as a framework for examining the social relations that embed cooperatives and their capacity to activate territorial economies. Originality/value-The paper highlights the necessity for a further examination of the cooperative territory relationship. It presents an innovative framework for improving sociological understanding of cooperatives as organizations embedded into their local socioeconomic contexts.
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International Journal of Social Economics, 2020
Purpose
This paper promotes a critical approach to co-operative studies by contributing new theor... more Purpose
This paper promotes a critical approach to co-operative studies by contributing new theoretical insights. The aim is to propose a new view on the co-operative firm as a socioeconomic phenomenon embedded into the local contexts in which it is situated. Sociological and economic analyses have mainly explored the relationship between co-operative members and the organization, the economic performance of co-operatives or compared co-operatives with other firm types. Less attention has been given to the co-operative–territory relation, which can reveal insights into members' collective actions, a co-operative's origins from specific social groups or how they establish relationships with certain community stakeholders over others.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper begins with a literature review of academic studies that situate co-operatives in relation to community, with a focus on how social capital theory has been deployed to understand this relation. It then proposes a theoretical examination of two fundamental authors in the field of social capital theory: Robert Putnam and Pierre Bourdieu. Drawing on findings from the literature review and considerations derived from the theoretical dialog between Putnam and Bourdieu, the paper proposes a revised social capital-based framework for analyzing key relations and expected outcomes of the co-operative–territory relation.
Findings
Reconsidering the role of social capital theory for co-operative studies, this article unfolds a dual reflection. First, it underlines the necessity for research that more closely considers co-operatives' territorial relationships. Second, it critically interrogates and pushes forward social capital theory as a framework for examining the social relations that embed co-operatives and their capacity to activate territorial economies.
Originality/value
The paper highlights the necessity for a further examination of the co-operative–territory relationship. It presents an innovative framework for improving sociological understanding of co-operatives as organizations embedded into their local socioeconomic contexts.
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Discovery of Co-operation , 2020
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Papers by Michele Bianchi
They can fill in the gaps in local job markets left by the out-migration of young and the depopulation of remaining locals, but migrants’ integration can present hurdles. Within the complex composition of the integration process, this research analyses the economic aspects related to local entrepreneurs’ behaviours, migrant self-entrepreneurship, the role of the social economy and its effects on local communities. This paper presents results from secondary sources produced by the work of ten research teams – which collaborate on a European project MATILDE Horizon 2020 – based in as many European countries. The consortium agreed on a qualitative research approach, the use of semi-structured interviews, focus groups and participatory observation for data collection, and the “Foundational Economy” as the principal theoretical framework. Then, our research team carried out data extraction and comparison. Results show the diverse features of economic integration,
encompassing local economic actors’ solutions, reactions in the communities, the role of the social economy and migrant entrepreneurship.
This paper promotes a critical approach to co-operative studies by contributing new theoretical insights. The aim is to propose a new view on the co-operative firm as a socioeconomic phenomenon embedded into the local contexts in which it is situated. Sociological and economic analyses have mainly explored the relationship between co-operative members and the organization, the economic performance of co-operatives or compared co-operatives with other firm types. Less attention has been given to the co-operative–territory relation, which can reveal insights into members' collective actions, a co-operative's origins from specific social groups or how they establish relationships with certain community stakeholders over others.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper begins with a literature review of academic studies that situate co-operatives in relation to community, with a focus on how social capital theory has been deployed to understand this relation. It then proposes a theoretical examination of two fundamental authors in the field of social capital theory: Robert Putnam and Pierre Bourdieu. Drawing on findings from the literature review and considerations derived from the theoretical dialog between Putnam and Bourdieu, the paper proposes a revised social capital-based framework for analyzing key relations and expected outcomes of the co-operative–territory relation.
Findings
Reconsidering the role of social capital theory for co-operative studies, this article unfolds a dual reflection. First, it underlines the necessity for research that more closely considers co-operatives' territorial relationships. Second, it critically interrogates and pushes forward social capital theory as a framework for examining the social relations that embed co-operatives and their capacity to activate territorial economies.
Originality/value
The paper highlights the necessity for a further examination of the co-operative–territory relationship. It presents an innovative framework for improving sociological understanding of co-operatives as organizations embedded into their local socioeconomic contexts.
They can fill in the gaps in local job markets left by the out-migration of young and the depopulation of remaining locals, but migrants’ integration can present hurdles. Within the complex composition of the integration process, this research analyses the economic aspects related to local entrepreneurs’ behaviours, migrant self-entrepreneurship, the role of the social economy and its effects on local communities. This paper presents results from secondary sources produced by the work of ten research teams – which collaborate on a European project MATILDE Horizon 2020 – based in as many European countries. The consortium agreed on a qualitative research approach, the use of semi-structured interviews, focus groups and participatory observation for data collection, and the “Foundational Economy” as the principal theoretical framework. Then, our research team carried out data extraction and comparison. Results show the diverse features of economic integration,
encompassing local economic actors’ solutions, reactions in the communities, the role of the social economy and migrant entrepreneurship.
This paper promotes a critical approach to co-operative studies by contributing new theoretical insights. The aim is to propose a new view on the co-operative firm as a socioeconomic phenomenon embedded into the local contexts in which it is situated. Sociological and economic analyses have mainly explored the relationship between co-operative members and the organization, the economic performance of co-operatives or compared co-operatives with other firm types. Less attention has been given to the co-operative–territory relation, which can reveal insights into members' collective actions, a co-operative's origins from specific social groups or how they establish relationships with certain community stakeholders over others.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper begins with a literature review of academic studies that situate co-operatives in relation to community, with a focus on how social capital theory has been deployed to understand this relation. It then proposes a theoretical examination of two fundamental authors in the field of social capital theory: Robert Putnam and Pierre Bourdieu. Drawing on findings from the literature review and considerations derived from the theoretical dialog between Putnam and Bourdieu, the paper proposes a revised social capital-based framework for analyzing key relations and expected outcomes of the co-operative–territory relation.
Findings
Reconsidering the role of social capital theory for co-operative studies, this article unfolds a dual reflection. First, it underlines the necessity for research that more closely considers co-operatives' territorial relationships. Second, it critically interrogates and pushes forward social capital theory as a framework for examining the social relations that embed co-operatives and their capacity to activate territorial economies.
Originality/value
The paper highlights the necessity for a further examination of the co-operative–territory relationship. It presents an innovative framework for improving sociological understanding of co-operatives as organizations embedded into their local socioeconomic contexts.
territorial and economic development impacts of Italian community co-operatives. It does so by illustrating their main features via data gathered during multiple site visits and interviews of cooperative members conducted throughout 2018. The paper considers three case studies in
different sectors and regions of Italy, with an eye toward their efficacy for implementing the SDGs