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Publications

Scientific contributions, journal articles, and conference proceedings from our research

Journal Articles

Journal Article • Open Access

A Decision Support System for Sustainable Circular Economy Transition in Italian Historical Small Towns: The H-SMA-CE Project

Ioppolo, G., Calabrò, G., Caristi, G., Ciliberto, C., Russo, I., De Simone, L., Lopes, A., & Arbolino, R.

Sustainability, 18(7), 3302 • 2026

This study, the culmination of the H-SMA-CE project, develops a Decision Support System (DSS) to assist local policymakers in planning CE transitions in Italian HSTs...

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Journal Article • Open Access

Unveiling Taurasi's Hidden Potential: A Wine Culture-Centered Framework for Sustainable Development and Circular Economy Transition in Historic Small Towns

Ciliberto, C., Calabrò, G., Caristi, G., Arbolino, R., & Ioppolo, G.

Sustainability, 17(13), 5704 • 2025

This study presents a novel methodological framework for analyzing circular economy potential in historic small towns...

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Conference Papers

Conference Proceedings

Conference Paper • Forthcoming

Smart Transition in Historical Small Towns: First Insights from a Digital Material Flow Assessment in the Italian Case Study of Taurasi

Ciliberto, C., Calabrò, G., Caristi, G., & Ioppolo, G.

Research and Innovation Forum 2025
Competitiveness, growth and well-being through technology, innovation and education • April 24-25, 2025

This study investigates the integration of digital flows within Material Flow Analysis applied to Historical Small Towns (HSTs), using Taurasi, Italy as a case study. The research examines how digital technologies can promot

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Conference Paper • Forthcoming

Digital Transformation for Circular Economy: Business Process Innovation in Historic Small Towns - The Taurasi Case Study

Ciliberto, C., Calabrò, G., Caristi, G., & Ioppolo, G.

Digital Transformation Society International Conference (DTS 2025)
Paris, France • May 22-23, 2025

The main objective of this research work is to study, through the case study of Taurasi in Italy, the application of digital transformation solutions in small towns for circular economy...

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Conference Paper • Forthcoming

A Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Analysis of Waste Management Practices in Historical Small Towns: The Taurasi Case Study

Ioppolo, G., & Calabrò, G.

Atti della Accademia Peloritana dei Pericolanti - Classe di Scienze Fisiche, Matematiche e Naturali • Ongoing

This study employs multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) methodology to evaluate waste management alternatives for historical small towns (HSTs), using Taurasi, Italy as a representative case study

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Conference Paper

Analysing Italian Historical Small Towns: A Cultural and Geographic Mosaic of Identity

Ciliberto, C., Ioppolo, G., Caristi, G., & Calabrò, G.

7th International Conference on Finance, Economics, Management and IT Business (FEMIB 2025)
Porto, Portugal • April 5-6, 2025

The recent increase in the Tourism sector has underlined its economic centrality, contributing to 9,1% of global GDP in 2023. The European Union holds a significant position, counting more than

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Conference Paper

Sustainable Circularity: Tracing Taurasi's Historical Small Town Resilience

Ciliberto, C., Calabrò, G., Caristi, G., & Ioppolo, G.

XXXII Congresso Nazionale di Scienze Merceologiche
Lecce, Italy • September 19-20, 2024

Historical Small Towns, often overlooked in discussions of sustainability and resilience, serve as reservoirs of historical knowledge and repositories of cultural practices. This paper delves into the case study of Taurasi, a small town nestled in the hills of southern Italy, to unravel the intricate relationship between historical narratives, resilience, and circularity. By employing a circularity framework, this study aims to explore how historical practices in Taurasi can inform present-day efforts towards sustainable development. Furthermore, resilience emerges as a central theme in understanding Taurasi's historical trajectory.

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Journal Article • Open Access

Unveiling Taurasi's Hidden Potential: A Wine Culture-Centered Framework for Sustainable Development and Circular Economy Transition in Historic Small Towns

Ciliberto, C., Calabrò, G., Caristi, G., Arbolino, R., & Ioppolo, G.

Sustainability, 17(13), 5704 • 2025

Abstract

This study presents a novel methodological framework for analyzing circular economy potential in historic small towns (HSTs), integrating urban metabolism (UM) approaches with place-based development strategies. Using Taurasi in Southern Italy as a representative case, we employ a mixed-methods approach that combines material flow analysis with qualitative assessment of local economic circuits and cultural assets. The methodology systematically identifies intervention points across material, energy, and information flows, revealing how traditional practices, particularly wine production, create existing circular patterns that can be strengthened through strategic planning. Our analysis demonstrates that HSTs possess distinct sustainability advantages derived from their spatial characteristics, embedded cultural knowledge, and heritage-economy integration. The framework produces a comprehensive metabolic profile that extends beyond simple material accounting to capture the multilayer nature of HST systems, including both tangible flows and intangible heritage-related processes. Results for Taurasi identify the local wine sector as the primary driver of circular economy potential, functioning as a nexus connecting agricultural resources, cultural heritage, and economic development. The proposed methodology offers replicable assessment protocols for HSTs across Southern Europe facing similar development challenges, contributing both to circular economy implementation science and to broader debates concerning sustainable development in peripheral territories.

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Conference Paper • In Progress

A Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Analysis of Waste Management Practices in Historical Small Towns: The Taurasi Case Study

Ioppolo, G., & Calabrò, G.

Atti della Accademia Peloritana dei Pericolanti - Classe di Scienze Fisiche, Matematiche e Naturali • Ongoing

Abstract

This study employs multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) methodology to evaluate waste management alternatives for historical small towns (HSTs), using Taurasi, Italy as a representative case study. HSTs face distinctive challenges implementing sustainable waste systems due to spatial constraints, heritage preservation requirements, and limited administrative resources. The research applies Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to determine criteria weights across environmental, economic, heritage compatibility, and social dimensions, followed by TOPSIS analysis to evaluate four waste management alternatives: Enhanced Organic Management, Viticultural Waste Valorization, Collection System Adaptation, and Inter-municipal Collaboration. Results identify Enhanced Organic Management as the highest-ranked alternative (proximity coefficient 0.697), followed by Viticultural Waste Valorization (0.643), though sensitivity analysis reveals significant ranking variations across different weighting scenarios. The analysis illuminates fundamental tensions between environmental performance and heritage compatibility, with approaches demonstrating superior resource recovery frequently presenting greater challenges regarding historical landscape integration. Integration potential analysis suggests complementary implementation pathways combining Collection System Adaptation's heritage compatibility with the resource recovery advantages of organic-focused approaches. This research contributes methodologically to circular economy implementation in heritage contexts through a structured evaluation framework specifically calibrated to HST characteristics, providing practical guidance for municipal administrators, waste management companies, and heritage preservation authorities navigating sustainability transitions while preserving historical character.

In Preparation
Presented at
APPLMATH 2025 — Messina, Italy
Conference Paper

Sustainable Circularity: Tracing Taurasi's Historical Small Town Resilience

Ciliberto, C., Calabrò, G., Caristi, G., & Ioppolo, G.

XXXII Congresso Nazionale di Scienze Merceologiche
"Resilienza e sostenibilità nel cambiamento globale"
Lecce, Italy • September 19-20, 2024

Abstract

Historical Small Towns, often overlooked in discussions of sustainability and resilience, serve as reservoirs of historical knowledge and repositories of cultural practices. This paper delves into the case study of Taurasi, a small town nestled in the hills of southern Italy, to unravel the intricate relationship between historical narratives, resilience, and circularity. By employing a circularity framework, this study aims to explore how historical practices in Taurasi can inform present-day efforts towards sustainable development. Furthermore, resilience emerges as a central theme in understanding Taurasi's historical trajectory

ISBN: 979-12-985593-1-8
Presented at
XXXII Congresso Scienze Merceologiche — Lecce, Italy
Conference Paper

Analysing Italian Historical Small Towns: A Cultural and Geographic Mosaic of Identity

Ciliberto, C., Ioppolo, G., Caristi, G., & Calabrò, G.

7th International Conference on Finance, Economics, Management and IT Business (FEMIB 2025)
Porto, Portugal • April 5-6, 2025

Abstract

The recent increase in the Tourism sector has underlined its economic centrality, contributing to 9,1% of global GDP in 2023. The European Union holds a significant position, counting more than 50% of international arrivals. This, in turn, can be translated into considerable economic effects that positively affect the member states. Among such states, Italy has been ranked in the top five international destinations, registering over 57 million tourist inflows. Such an increase has been driven by affluence in major cities and the modern trend of rediscovering historical small towns (HST). This research aims to analyse the components of this trend, underscoring the geographical position and features of the HSTs throughout the Italian territory. Moreover, a descriptive analysis with quantitative data and a SWOT analysis will be conducted to assess their distribution through the Italian territory and their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Preliminary findings reveal that regions such as Central Italy host the highest concentration of villages, while climate change and depopulation threaten their viability. By analysing these HSTs, the study aims to inform strategic planning for sustainable tourism development, enhancing local identities and preserving cultural heritage while positioning these areas as viable alternatives in the global tourism landscape.

View on DOI ISBN: 978-989-758-748-1 • ISSN: 2184-5891
Presented at
FEMIB 2025 — Porto, Portugal
Conference Paper • Forthcoming

Smart Transition in Historical Small Towns: First Insights from a Digital Material Flow Assessment in the Italian Case Study of Taurasi

Ciliberto, C., Calabrò, G., Caristi, G., & Ioppolo, G.

Research and Innovation Forum 2025
Competitiveness, growth and well-being through technology, innovation and education
April 24-25, 2025

Abstract

This study investigates the integration of digital flows within Material Flow Analysis applied to Historical Small Towns (HSTs), using Taurasi, Italy as a case study. The research examines how digital technologies can promote responsible consumption while preserving the unique fabric of HSTs through Industry 5.0 principles and redefined Urban Metabolism (UM) frameworks. The methodology combines Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) with the DPSIR framework adapted for analyzing digital flows within traditional material systems. This methodology incorporates quantitative analysis of digital infrastructure alongside qualitative assessment through stakeholder engagement and expert consultation. Implementation of the MFA methodology in Taurasi reveals that digitization initiates a "smart metabolism" system that optimizes resource utilization while preserving heritage values. This integration yielded measurable outcomes, including a 15% reduction in energy consumption through smart monitoring systems, enhanced preservation of historical structures via sensor networks, and increased community participation in digital platforms. The study advances UM theory by demonstrating how digital and material flows can effectively coexist and interact within historical urban environments. The findings suggest that HSTs should develop strategic approaches to digital transformation that not only overcome geographical limitations but also support evidence-based decision-making. Such strategies should prioritize heritage-sensitive digital projects and community engagement to ensure technological advancement complements rather than compromises historical character. This research presents a novel application of MFA that systematically incorporates both physical and digital flows within urban systems. The proposed interoperable framework connects material metabolism with digital transformation concepts, offering a new paradigm for balancing technological innovation and heritage conservation in HSTs.

Springer Proceedings (Forthcoming)
Presented at
Research and Innovation Forum 2025
Conference Paper • Forthcoming

Digital Transformation for Circular Economy: Business Process Innovation in Historic Small Towns - The Taurasi Case Study

Ciliberto, C., Calabrò, G., Caristi, G., & Ioppolo, G.

Digital Transformation Society International Conference (DTS 2025)
Paris, France • May 22-23, 2025

Abstract

The main objective of this research work is to study, through the case study of Taurasi in Italy, the application of digital transformation solutions in small towns for circular economy. Ancient cities have cultural heritage that needs to be conserved so that they meet the major drawback of resource protection, economic development, and environmental sustainability. Qualitative analysis and document review are conducted to identify how modern technologies can be used for circular economy and to preserve peculiar cultural heritage of the town. The study indicates that the efficient implementation of modern technologies in the context of old towns can only be completed if a "heritage-sensitive digital integration approach" is balanced manner between novity and tradition. Key findings show that digital platforms and IoT solutions improve Taurasi's waste management (regarding wine production) and, resource efficiency, and enhance community engagement, and the safeguard of the town's heritage. Some crucial factors for success, like the setting up of a digital innovation hub, the gradual adoption of technology, or active participation of the stakeholders are identified. However, challenges such as cultural resistance, disorganized infrastructures, and lack of skills have to be handled. This study helps to understand how digital technologies could be used to improve circular economy practices in the historical contexts, providing significant insights for policymakers in similar settings. Its originality lies in the fact that it explores the integration of digital transformation and circular economy in historic small towns through a "heritage-sensitive digital integration approach" linking together both technological and cultural domains.

Springer Proceedings (Forthcoming)
Presented at
DTS 2025 — Paris, France
Journal Article • Open Access

A Decision Support System for Sustainable Circular Economy Transition in Italian Historical Small Towns: The H-SMA-CE Project

Ioppolo, G., Calabrò, G., Caristi, G., Ciliberto, C., Russo, I., De Simone, L., Lopes, A., & Arbolino, R.

Sustainability, 18(7), 3302 • 2026

Abstract

Historical small towns (HSTs) embody irreplaceable cultural heritage and territorial identity, facing depopulation, economic marginalization, and infrastructure decay. Improving their liveability and attractiveness is essential to reverse these trends and boost sustainable development. In this context, HSTs are potential drivers of circular and sustainable socio-technical systems, where the circular economy (CE) offers a framework for local sustainability. However, HSTs lack adequate sustainable CE implementation tools. This study, the culmination of the H-SMA-CE project, develops a Decision Support System (DSS) to assist local policymakers in planning CE transitions in Italian HSTs. The DSS integrates three building blocks: context analysis (metabolic flows, stakeholder networks), an intervention library with cost–benefit data, and a composite Municipal Circular Economy Index (MCEI). The tool enables users to assess baseline circularity, simulate scenarios, and identify optimal investment portfolios through multi-objective optimization. This approach allows for the simultaneous evaluation of the benefits of each sustainability aspect, i.e., environmental, economic and social. Tested on the municipality of Taurasi (Italy), an HST with a wine-based economy, the results show that balanced intervention strategies yield greater circularity improvements than single-objective approaches. The paper contributes to the discourse on digital tools for sustainability transitions, offering a replicable model for evidence-based CE governance in heritage-rich territorial contexts.

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