Title: Investing in industrial archaeology to develop knowledge and social wellbeing

Authors: Angelo Bonfanti; Rossella Canestrino; Pierpaolo Magliocca

Addresses: Department of Business Administration, University of Verona, Via Cantarane 24, 37129 Verona, Italy ' Department of Management and Quantitative Studies, Parthenope University of Naples, Via Generale Parisi 13, 80132 Naples, Italy ' Department of Economics, University of Foggia, Via Caggese 1, 71121 Foggia, Italy

Abstract: This paper aims to present how industrial archaeology may support knowledge transfer and social wellbeing development. An inductive approach is proposed. The research strategy includes a multiple case study of Italian industrial companies that have invested in industrial archaeology since 2000. The choice of companies is based on a strategy of theoretical sampling. The findings outline how it is possible to turn old places - often degraded and abandoned - in 'new' spaces for social meeting and cultural sharing by means of investments in industrial archaeology. Thanks to the mentioned changes both wellbeing and social inclusion are fostered with supporting the achieving of higher levels of social happiness. This paper discusses some Italian industrial companies that are investing in industrial archaeology to create value in a knowledge and social wellbeing development perspective in the 21st century.

Keywords: industrial archaeology; social wellbeing; Italian manufacturing companies; heritage management; culture; knowledge management.

DOI: 10.1504/IJENVH.2018.092787

International Journal of Environment and Health, 2018 Vol.9 No.2, pp.169 - 182

Received: 05 Apr 2017
Accepted: 06 Jan 2018
Published online: 29 Jun 2018 *

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