ISCM Represents Vietnam in International Summer Camp on Sustainability and Social Innovation in Italy

ISCM joined global universities at the International Summer Camp on Sustainable Development, Space Regeneration, and Social Innovation in Inner Areas of Italy, sharing solutions for adaptive and resilient communities.

Professors, experts and students participate in the program

Defined by the European Rural Development Network (ERND – EU), Inner Areas refer to remote regions located far from service hubs and with limited access to essential public services such as education, healthcare, and transportation. These areas often face long-term depopulation and population aging, yet possess valuable environmental and cultural assets. Recognizing both the challenges and potential of these areas, ERND has proposed a development strategy rooted in local resources, empowering communities, businesses, and governments to revitalize and bring new life to these regions.

In alignment with this vision, the TNE – New Seasons Program, part of the European ERASMUS+ Student Exchange Program, was organized by the University of Basilicata. Spanning two months, the program allows students to experience and study applied solutions across Potenza, Caggiano, Ascea, Agropoli, Accettura, and Matera - regions where Italian natural heritage, traditional culture, and innovative technology converge to create more sustainable and livable communities.

Phase 1 of the program focused on regeneration - developing local solutions and encouraging collaboration among all community stakeholders to revive local economies and address the serious issues of aging and depopulation in these Inner Areas. In addition to professors from UNIBAS, the program welcomed four faculty members from Vietnam and South Korea, as well as local “teachers” - community members who contribute to the local economy through their unique cultural products.

Key representatives in Phase 1 included Prof. Gianni Quaranta (Dean of the Department of Mathematics, Computer Science and Economics, UNIBAS) and Prof. Rosanna Salvia (Department of Mathematics, Computer Science and Economics, UNIBAS).

From Vietnam, Assoc.Prof. Tu Anh Trinh (Director of the Institute of Smart City and Management, UEH) and Dr. Candidate Do Le Phuc Tam (Lecturer, ISCM – UEH) participated. Handong Global University (South Korea) was represented by Assoc.Prof. Ducksu Seo (Director of Global City Lab - School of Spatial Environmental System Engineering) and M.Arch. Cho Kwangphil (School of Spatial Environmental System Engineering). Lanzhou University (China) will join in Phase 2, represented by Prof. Liu Min (College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology).

In addition, ten students from Vietnam, Korea, and China participated, including Phuong Anh (UEH School of Media Design – DD001) and Phuc Duc (UEH Institute of Innovation – TIP001). Both students proudly represented UEH and contributed to the program’s research activities.

The two students present their research ideas in the workshop

Local Solutions for Local Development

Southern Italy is often perceived as less dynamic compared to the prosperous northern regions, home to cities such as Milan, Venice, Rome, and Florence. From July 14 to 20, 2025, the program brought participants to Caggiano and Ascea Marina, two rural areas in southern Italy.

Here, participants explored how local communities have leveraged their cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and unique traditional products - often considered “old-fashioned” - to revitalize their territories. These efforts aim not only to rejuvenate local identity but also to gradually shift Italy’s economic focus from the North to the South, creating new opportunities for sustainable and inclusive development.

Prof. Ducksu Seo (HGU) mentioned the case of Seoul City and Sejong City in Korea

In tourism, both Caggiano and Ascea Marina have successfully leveraged their coastal beauty and historic architecture to attract visitors. Highlights include Caggiano Castle, the scenic Ascea coastline, the Torre di Velia archaeological site, as well as Alario Foundation Castle and Pollica Castle, which host social and cultural events. The Serramezzana village offers leisure activities for both locals and visitors.

Each site not only preserves and promotes the cultural identity of Southern Italy but also engages young people through awareness programs, inspiring them to discover opportunities in their hometowns. These initiatives encourage local youth to stay, return, or contribute to reversing depopulation trends.

Students learn about the history of Serramezzana Rustic Village

Beyond tourism, the residents of these areas are deeply knowledgeable about their local agricultural products, many of which are unique to the region. Leveraging this expertise, locals continue to experiment and innovate, producing high-quality, locally branded goods—from wine and mozzarella cheese to olive oil—targeted at consumers seeking premium, locally sourced products.

Students explored the design of Ascea’s largest dam, an infrastructure project that mitigates flooding, generates hydropower, and provides irrigation for local agriculture.

Field activity – visiting vineyards cultivated for handcrafted beverage production at Tempe di Zoe Winery, Agropoli.

Field visits also introduced participants to key infrastructure, such as Ascea’s largest dam, which not only controls flooding but also provides hydropower and irrigation for agriculture. The group toured Tempe di Zoe Winery in Agropoli, which produces handcrafted beverages, further showcasing how local industries can contribute to sustainable growth.

Prof. Cho Kwangphil (HGU) share about the topic From Smart City to Wise Town

In Caggiano and Ascea Marina, future development will continue to build on existing natural and cultural strengths, turning these areas into “living libraries”—places that preserve local heritage while embracing innovation for a better quality of life. This aligns with the concept of a Wise Town, as explained by Prof. Cho Kwangphil during the program’s opening lecture.

Living Labs and Co-Creation in Practice

Throughout the program, students engaged with Living Labs in Potenza and Ascea Marina—experimental spaces designed to test innovative solutions. While each lab focuses on different areas, their shared goals are to: (1) Raise public awareness, shift attitudes, and promote behavioral change toward sustainability; (2) Improve agricultural productivity in efficient and environmentally friendly ways.

Prof. Do Le Phuc Tam (UEH - ISCM) mentioned the Living Lab Model implied in UEH

Assoc.Prof. Tu Anh Trinh (UEH - ISCM) shared about Co-Creation Model

Students participate in activities held in a Living Lab in Ascea

In addition to universities, participants also engaged with other Living Labs located in Potenza and Ascea Marina during the program. Although these Living Labs focus on different areas, they share common goals: (1) testing new initiatives to raise awareness, influence attitudes, and encourage behavioral change toward sustainable development; and (2) improving the efficiency and sustainability of agricultural production.

The International Summer School on Sustainability, Regeneration, and Social Innovation in Inner Areas offers students a unique opportunity to exchange knowledge, explore adaptive solutions, and understand how technology and co-creation models can revitalize rural areas. The program continues through the end of August, promising more insights and hands-on experiences in sustainable, technology-driven development.

Highlight from the Event:

Students explored the adverse impacts of unfavorable natural factors on human development.

Students explored the traditional cuisine of the local coastal community in Ascea Marina

Agricultural activities in the plains supported by hydroelectric dam infrastructure.

The historic village of Ascea has been developed for tourism while ensuring the well-being of the local community.

From left to right: Phuong Anh (DH48DD001) and Phuc Duc (DH49TIP001) participating in the program.

IN THE MEDIA:

Quotidiano del Sud: Basilicata, l’università in campo si schiera contro lo spopolamento - 25/07/2025

News: Institute of Smart City and Management, University of Basilicata, Handong Global University