On smart institutions: towards new territorial actors to support ecological transition and regional diversification

The paper addresses the need for a change in the institutional framework of smart regions to address three challenges: (i) sustainability (SDG), (ii) innovation-diversification (RIS3), and (iii) the ability to properly allocate structural funds (Green Deal and Next Generation EU). These three challenges are assessed taking into account the complexity of managing smart regions, considering the presence of first and second-generation territorial commons, that lead to innovate the configuration of new institutional forms. In this context, the paper analyzes the role of territorial actors and their impact on the territorial systems. Some guiding criteria are outlined to support the configuration of smart institutions as the basis to enable the emergence and consolidation of smart regions.