How can universities work with local communities to address the challenges facing their regions? In Tramonti, Italy, the University of Salerno brought together citizens, local authorities and organisations to discuss the future of inland areas and explore possible solutions.
On 22 July 2026, the University of Salerno, a member of the NEOLAiA European University Alliance, organised a participatory workshop in Tramonti, Italy, in cooperation with Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio Salernitana (Carisal) and BIMED (Biennial of Mediterranean Arts and Sciences).
The Municipality of Tramonti hosted the event, which brought together representatives from universities, local administrations, associations and the wider community.
The meeting gave participants an opportunity to share their experiences, discuss challenges affecting inland areas and consider how different organisations and citizens could work together to address them.
Listening to Local Communities
Inland areas face a range of challenges that directly affect the people who live there. Access to healthcare, transport connections, population changes and opportunities for young people are just some of the issues that influence everyday life.
During the workshop, participants joined thematic working groups to discuss these topics, alongside local governance and migration.
Rather than approaching these challenges only from an academic or institutional perspective, the workshop encouraged participants to share their experiences and ideas.
Citizens contributed their knowledge of local needs, while representatives from universities, public institutions and associations brought different perspectives to the discussions.
Together, they explored possible solutions and ways to support the long-term development of inland communities.
Connecting Academic Knowledge with Local Experience
The workshop highlighted the importance of cooperation between universities and the communities around them.
Universities contribute research, expertise and new perspectives, but local residents also have valuable knowledge about the challenges affecting their regions.
Bringing these perspectives together can help identify local priorities and develop ideas that respond to people’s actual needs.
For the University of Salerno, the initiative offered an opportunity to strengthen its connections with local organisations and communities while contributing to discussions about regional development.
It also reflected NEOLAiA’s wider approach to cooperation, which encourages partner universities to engage with their regions and involve different groups in addressing shared challenges.
Encouraging Community Participation Across NEOLAiA
The Tramonti workshop is one example of how universities can create opportunities for citizens to take part in discussions about issues that affect their lives.
Across the NEOLAiA Alliance, cooperation between universities and regional partners plays an important role in connecting research, education and society.
Activities that encourage public participation can help universities better understand local needs, exchange knowledge with communities and explore new approaches to regional challenges.
Interested in getting involved?
Follow your local NEOLAiA partner university to discover citizen science, public engagement and community activities taking place in your region.
Whether through workshops, research projects or discussions with local organisations, there are different ways for citizens to contribute their experiences and ideas.
Learn more about the Tramonti initiative:
https://neolaia.unisa.it/en/neolaia-and-unisa-in-tramonti-sa-an-alliance-for-the-territory-universities-institutions-and-communities-working-together-for-the-future-of-inland-areas/
