ESG Observatory for Territories: research on innovation and sustainability.
An independent platform for research, analysis, and monitoring dedicated to the territorial dimension of sustainability: a permanent infrastructure to measure, compare, and accelerate the ecological, social, and governance transition across Italian and European territories.
The digital, technological, and ecological transition requires analytical tools capable of assessing the real impact of public policies and economic activities on territories, moving beyond purely economic metrics.
ESG principles are a central reference point in territorial strategies, but they require alignment between innovation and sustainability objectives at both the macro-regional and local level. At the sub-national level, significant data fragmentation persists, making it difficult to compare territories and to carry out an integrated ecosystem analysis of environmental, social, and governance performance.
The Observatory was established to bridge this gap, building a central hub for collecting, processing, and disseminating reliable and comparable data. The full overview of the mission, methodological framework, and areas of activity is described in the detailed activity document (PDF) →
- Systematic monitoring
Of the environmental, social, and governance performance of territories, through a structured system of comparable indicators and KPIs.
- Analysis of organizations’ contribution
With specific reference to Benefit Corporations and ESG-compliant companies in the sustainable technological transition — including public administrations.
- Evidence to support public policy
In support of territorial planning and local economic development.
- A culture of sustainable innovation
Across territories and production systems, strengthening stakeholder awareness and skills.
- Scientific collaboration
With universities and research institutions, to develop robust methodologies and publish a scientifically validated Annual Territorial ESG Report.
The Technical-Scientific Committee guides, proposes, and advocates. The ESG Observatory for Territories researches, measures, and produces scientific documentation. Next EU disseminates, connects, and brings the results into public debate.
Guides, proposes, and advocates for research priorities.
Researches, measures, and produces independent scientific documentation.
Disseminates, connects, and brings results into public debate through the magazine and events.
→ Back to the Next EU magazine · Next EU Technical-Scientific Committee · ESG Events and Initiatives
The operational core of the Observatory is the pursuit of a robust, scientifically validated methodological framework for measuring innovative territorial sustainability and ecosystem-wide ESG performance.
Raw or processed statistical variables from official sources that describe specific territorial phenomena.
Key performance indicators, normalized and standardized, enabling direct comparison between territories and trend analysis over time.
The Observatory adheres to and takes part in public consultations promoted by ISTAT and the bodies of the National Statistical System, contributing the voice of territories to the definition of official data and indicators.
Systematic collection and normalization of territorial data from official sources, and development of proprietary methodologies for ESG analysis.
Building a permanent ESG dashboard, calculating KPIs, and conducting comparative analysis among comparable territories.
Annual Territorial ESG Report, vertical thematic reports, and actionable policy briefs for public decision-makers.
Events, seminars, academic collaborations, and editorial activities to spread a culture of ESG measurement.
A multidisciplinary group of academics, researchers, professionals, and companies who take part in the activities of the ESG Observatory for Territories, ensuring the independence and scientific rigor of the research. Members’ conduct is governed by the Observatory’s Code of Ethics →, which sets out principles, responsibilities, and rules of conduct.
These members are distinct from the Next EU Technical-Scientific Committee, which is listed on its own dedicated page.
President of the Next EU Association, Professor of Economic Geography at the University of Salento, Ambassador of the European Climate Pact, and Innovation Manager.
Academic Area 16 members
Research Bodies and Centers 4 members
Professionals 20 members
Companies 9 members
The Observatory is open to stakeholders working toward the sustainable and innovative development of territories: local authorities, universities, businesses, utilities and investors, trade associations, the third sector, and data providers.
Governance and strategic direction role, access to the Steering Committee, and participation in defining research priorities.
Methodological and analytical contribution, support in defining indicators, and co-authorship of thematic reports.
Participation in working groups, early access to data, and development of vertical focus areas on specific sectors.
Supporting the Observatory’s dissemination activities and annual events.
After registration, members and organizations can upload documents, propose ideas, and consult shared materials — each item is classified by ESG area (Environmental, Social, Governance) and linked to a specific territory.
The ESG Observatory for Territories produces and disseminates studies, reports, methodological documents, policy briefs, and institutional publications on sustainability, innovation, and territorial ESG performance.
Publications are one of the ways the Observatory makes evidence, methodologies, and research results available to institutions, public administrations, businesses, universities, and stakeholders. The Observatory’s work is published progressively on this page: simply click on each title to download the corresponding document.
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Albania 2030: Sustainability, Competitiveness, and the ESG Transition of TerritoriesDownload the PDF →
August 2026
For information, collaboration proposals, or requests to join the Observatory.
