Vingt ans après. Do museum networks really work? A focus on the inland areas of the Marche Region’s “seismic crater” (Italy)

The National Strategy for Inner Areas defines inner areas as marginal and fragile territories, but also as characterised by unique natural and cultural resources. In order to overcome their weaknesses and ensure that place-specific assets effectively contribute to local development, the Strategy argues the need to develop networks which involve actors and organisations from the cultural and tourism industries. Starting from this premise, the present article uses a case study to explore the current state of affairs and possible development of museum networks set up in the inland areas of central Italy. In the first part, the Italian context is examined, pointing out the main strengths and weaknesses of the cultural tourism offer. Then, relying on suggestions arising from the scientific literature on this matter, the main advantages of strategic networks are set up. In the second part, a qualitative research method is adopted to analyse the museum networks created in the Marche Region’s “seismic crater” since the end of the 1990s. The research goes over the key steps of the networking process and identifies its main gaps in terms of strategic planning and professional skills. Finally, the paper highlights the need to implement a multi-level approach involving the state, the Regions and municipalities for the promotion of long-lasting and effective networks.