been put on the objective of stimulating and meeting the demand of innovation
of local productive systems while expanding, on the front of supply, the
availability of infrastructural and research facilities for knowledge transfer and
dissemination.
The objectives established in the new water policy, in light of a broader design
meant to create efficient management systems, are expected to have a positive
impact on the expectations and create the conditions for confidence building
vis-a-vis businesses thus giving them incentives to invest in innovative
solutions and create new high-quality jobs. But what is crucial is that the
Regions be able to combine the process of reform of the environmental public
utilities with adequate governance actions. Initiatives like “Agenda 21
Locale” have turned out to be efficient in creating a consensus on the need of
local-scale changes. Unfortunately though, these attempts have so far been
only partially successful because of the challenges encountered in trying and
changing the by now well-established and deeply engrained policies and
behavioural models as well as in putting together solutions in a coordinated
manner. Testing the adoption of innovative methodologies in the
decisionmaking processes related to the management of environmental LPUs
(Strategic Environmental Assessment included) seems to be of crucial
importance. The “missing link” in the definition of the tools for planning and
programming an integrated water cycle, has been the reference to public
consultation in the decisionmaking process. This specific reference turns out to
be of paramount importance as pointed out in art. 6 of Directive 2001/42/EEC
and is all the more important in this particular sector which is characterized by
“negotiated” actions.
But, while it seems sensible to guarantee a greater involvement of businesses
and citizens in the management of this sector, we cannot do without a greater
social accountability on the part of businesses. Therefore it is not even
unconceivable to invite the operators in charge of the Integrated Water
Services listed in the Exchange to publish their “triple approach” in the annual
report they submit to their shareholders to allow for an assessment of their
performance in economic, environmental and social terms (the so-called triple
bottom line). In conclusion, in line with a correct interpretation of the real
meaning of environmental governance, structural funds should be used to set
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