Introduzione o prefazione

- According to several theoretical essays and empirical researches (Putnam, Latour, Grootaert, Murdoch, restrim Project) networks, density and kind of their relationships considerably influence the developing perspectives of an area. In order to detect the empirical aspects of the relationships among networks and productive systems development this research was set up. The way networks system bring development are still not defined because there are so many ways to do it, principally due to territorial differences. Agrifood system structure and management and local rural economics, by the way of territorially defined networks system analysis, is the aim of this study. Pursued goals are twofold: defining, by a case study analysis, structural characteristics of networks; detecting the better way to supply services in order to improve network organization in their own productive system. A desk analysis on social and economical aspects of the Alto Salento area has been carried out; moreover it has been pointed out an investigation defining the networks consistence and their characteristics (activity sector, number of partners, etc.). Results put in evidence a strong networks presence in cultural activities sector, in services and in agricultural one, that suggested a defined organization of productive system as a function of tourist supply and local products promotion. This hypothesis has been tested by a direct inquiry at a network sample valuating amount and quality of different kind of relationships settled down and their strengths and weaknesses. To promote network development and to improve their relationships it is necessary to supply a certain amount of services such as communicative tools for knowledge exchange about the territorial structural social capital (web site, promotional events, ecc.). Networks expressed needs are directed to find new way for increasing social capital amount of a specific area.JEL Codes: Q13, O18Key words: social capital, rural development, local products, networks relationships