New Networking Perspectives towards Mediterranean Territorial Cohesion: The Multidimensional Approach of Cultural Routes

In the context of Europe 2020 Strategy, where the cities’ role in the global competition brings along a scale shift in terms of networking system, the paper refers to a research project investigating the potential socio-economic impact of major advancing Euro-Mediterranean cohesion. Highlighting a holistic multidisciplinary approach the paper stresses the role of local cultural heritage towards a Mediterranean sustainable development process, especially in less-known destinations, where the cultural resources are the main strategic assets for development. In conclusion a research model is presented in order to design a systematic tool to combine the Mediterranean common roots, territorial development needs and Euro-Mediterranean policies aiming at contributing to the multicultural dialogue in this transnational panorama.