Approcci innovativi per la classificazione delle aree rurali: dagli indirizzi europei all’applicazione locale

The rurality index has been explored using Spatial Statisti- cal Techniques, Multicriteria Decision Support System and Cluster Analysis to obtain areas with homogenous charac- teristics. The profile outlined is an effective tool to support decision-makers in defining actions aimed to the develop- ment of rural areas, in view of a global rationalization and optimization of resources. To check the consistency of re- sults, the model was tested within Basilicata region, which is well-known to the authors and which has been exten- sively investigated with regard to its levels of rurality. The results show eight homogeneous areas, classified in rela- tion to the Rural Index. The results obtained enable locat- ing resources based on specific needs.