Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
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The PULP (Place-based Unfolding, Localities, and Participation) project is a research initiative examining the effectiveness of National Recovery and Resilience Plans (NRRPs) in addressing spatial inequalities across Europe. It focuses on how policies can be tailored to the unique socio-economic needs of different regions, particularly marginalized or "lagging-behind" areas. The project is financed through Italy’s PRIN (Projects of Relevant National Interest) funding program.
NRRPs are part of the European Union’s Next Generation EU program, established to help member states recover from the socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. These plans aim to foster growth, reduce inequalities, and ensure sustainable development across diverse regions within each country.
The PULP project aims to:
Assess the level of spatial inequalities within the selected European countries.
Analyze how place-sensitivity is embedded in NRRP designs.
Examine governance models and public participation in NRRPs implementation.
Provide insights and recommendations for more effective, inclusive policies.
The project is led by a multi-disciplinary research team from four institutions: Gran Sasso Science Institute (GSSI), Università degli Studi di Catania (UNICT), Università degli Studi di Torino (UNITO), and Università degli Studi di Trieste (UNITS). This team combines expertise in Economic Geography, Sociology, Regional Economics, and Policy Analysis.
The PULP project is organized into four main work packages:
WP1: Mapping spatial inequalities within selected countries.
WP2: Analyzing institutional and policy contexts that shape NRRP implementation.
WP3: Conducting a cross-country comparative analysis of NRRP place-sensitiveness.
WP4: Focusing on Italy as a case study to examine NRRP governance and public perception.
The project uses a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods, including econometric analysis, surveys, GIS mapping, interviews, and focus groups. These diverse methods provide a comprehensive understanding of spatial inequalities and policy impacts.
All materials, reports, and publications are available in the Publications section of this website. This section is regularly updated with new insights, reports, and resources for researchers, policymakers, and the general public.
The project’s findings are valuable to policymakers, regional planners, academic researchers, civil society organizations, and community leaders interested in regional development, spatial equality, and policy effectiveness.
If you’re interested in collaborating, learning more about the project, or attending upcoming events, feel free to reach out through the Contact section of our website. You can also stay updated by following our publications and events listed on the site.