Microfinanza in Europa Esperienze e prospettive in contesto urbano

The study includes the analysis and a critical report of the European and Italian Microfinance Institutions (MFI) working, on a local basis, in the urban context. From the study of the European network the author indicates a framework for the creation of an MFI model that could be replicated on a local basis (taking as reference the urban context of the City of Turin as an indication of the Italian situation) and proposing an harmonization of the local development strategies through a new framework, which would integrate and renew existing proposals already present locally through both private and public institutions. Particular attention will be given to the adaptation and development process of microfinance as an instrument in the local urban context of the developed countries, with specific reference to the downscaling of traditional banks institutions. The research proposal should be viewed as an attempt to harmonize experiences and translated those into a clear and defined proposal, based upon an institutional agreement (both public and private). Particular attention has also been paid to the mapping of the international network of Italian and European partners (ADIE France, WEETU, First Step, European Microfinance Network and other actors in the European and Italian market) and the development of a local network able to prepare a proposal for a replicable and innovative framework. The research activity developed for the completion of the Ph. D. study in Economics is included in the study and research work for the implementation of "Progetto Giovani CNR" (code 205/300) financed by the 2008 "Bando Promozione Ricerca CNR". The financed research is entitled "MICROURBANO - an incubator for capacity building and urban microfinancing in the context of marginal city areas".