Services in Inner Areas Development: Drivers, Outcomes, or a False Dilemma? A Systems Perspective

Purpose Inner Areas represent complex territorial systems affected by interconnected demographic, economic, social and service-related challenges. In the Italian context, the National Strategy for Inner Areas (SNAI) assigns a central role to essential services as drivers of territorial attractiveness and development. The underlying assumption is that increased service provision can enhance attractiveness, counter depopulation and foster development. By adopting a systems perspective, this study aims to question this linear interpretation, discuss a possible driver/outcome dilemma and reconsider the role of services within the broader dynamics of Inner Areas development. Methodology This study is positioned within the theoretical field of service research. It adopts a conceptual approach based on an interpretative framework informed by a narrative review of the literature, used to analyse official policy documents on the strategy for Inner Areas in Italy as well as to outline the state of the art. The proposed interpretative approach is guided by a systems view of service based on the foundational concepts of Service-Dominant logic and Service Ecosystems theory. Findings The literature review helps to outline a broad picture of definitions, perspectives and key dimensions for investigating the Inner Areas phenomenon. The analysis of the SNAI approach and of the current state of Inner Areas in Italy reveals the persistence of a vicious circle in the current social, economic and environmental dynamics of Inner Areas development. A local governance issue emerges in the implementation of the SNAI, undermining the effectiveness of the strategy, highlighting the need for a systems governance approach able to overcome reductive views grounded in linear cause-effect logic. In the light of the proposed systems view, services can play a dual driver/outcome role: rather than acting as autonomous policy levers to be added to territories, or merely as consequences of demographic or economic trends, services emerge as critical relational configurations to be co-created through the integration of actors, resources and contextual conditions. Research limitations/implications The study, although conceptual and exploratory, provides a reference to both researchers and policy makers to reconsider the role of services within the broader dynamics of Inner Areas development, highlighting the need to shift the focus from sectoral service provision to territorial governance models aimed at enabling the conditions under which services can be generated, embedded and sustained over time. Such services are more likely to be viable and sustainable because they are grounded in the actual needs, resources and relational dynamics of the territorial system. Originality/Value Inner Areas represent territories of high environmental, social and potentially economic value that call for urgent solutions. This study highlights the potential contribution of service research to a systems understanding of the Inner Areas issue, providing new foundations for effective action.