Implementing eco-industrial parks in existing clusters. Findings from a historical Italian chemical site

Industrial Ecology (IE) is considered a recent but very promising research field; it offers new perspectives of solutions to environmental problems related to production that combines the aim of sustainability, both global and local, with the competitiveness of companies. The application of IE principles at the local level lead to the development of Eco-Industrial Parks (EIPs). An EIP can arise spontaneously, by the initiative of companies, or be guided by local government; it can result in the creation of a new industrial site or in the involvement of production plants already present in a given region. A number of factors may promote or prevent the implementation of an EIP: level of analysis; geographic and technical requirements; homogeneity/heterogeneity of industries; stakeholders and local community involvement; regulatory system. We call them Key Drivers. Industrial cluster is the referential model of territorial agglomeration of companies; it has been proven to be one of the best models of Italian industrial development in terms of efficiency and flexibility, with a strong involvement of local community. EIPs could be considered a viable solution to increase sustainability and competitiveness of existing industrial clusters, exploiting common features of both models, primarily, the geographic proximity of companies. However, also in countries characterized by a large diffusion of industrial clusters, such as Italy, there are no operating EIPs. This paper presents the results of a research project, originally aimed at revitalizing a historical chemical site located in Bussi sul Tirino (Abruzzo Region-Italy) through the application of IE principles. Furthermore, the role of Key Drivers in the specific context of existing industrial cluster is analysed. Empirical evidences show a particular suitability of the Bussi Chemical Site to evolve into an EIP, leading towards economic, environmental and social benefits. The involvement of neighbouring industrial clusters and the establishment of new companies in the chemical site are considered in potential scenarios design. Results also point out that the history of the long-standing industrial cluster influenced the presence and the role played by some Key Drivers, especially local community, which proved to be crucial in preventing the full implementation of the EIP.