LISA – Learning, Inclusion, Salary, Ageing

The project has four main objectives:

• to study the causes, effects, and local dynamics of the dimensions of inequality that, alongside macro-trends, hinder the economic and social development and well-being of the Insubria area.
• to raise awareness among stakeholders about the effects and severity of these issues, mobilising will, energy, and resources to address the problem.
• to identify models and practices useful in mitigating inequalities, through the involvement and collaboration of key actors in the region.
• to disseminate results and engage stakeholders who interact with these dimensions of inequality, such as businesses, educational institutions, labour market operators, trade unions, policymakers and associations at both local and national levels.

The LISA project is based on an action-research approach, which involves collaboration between researchers and organisations participating in the project. A multi-method research strategy is applied, integrating both quantitative and qualitative techniques, conducted through two distinct phases of fieldwork:

• quantitative data collection and analysis, through a survey aimed at investigating the main issues related to the dimensions of inequality.
• qualitative methods, to gain a deeper understanding of individual dimensions through multiple case studies.

The LISA Project targets a variety of audiences:

• academics and researchers, to contribute to scientific debates and promote knowledge in the fields of economics, statistics and political science.
• policymakers and administrators, and more broadly, all decision-making bodies, to influence institutional policies and practices.
• entrepreneurs and managers, to help improve organisational competitiveness through effective human resource management and inclusion practices.
• the wider community, to raise public awareness of inequality issues and stimulate social discussion and debate.

The work plan is organised into five Work Packages focusing on core processes:

• WP1 – Governance: Coordination and project management.
• WP2 – Communication and Dissemination: Dissemination of results and stakeholder engagement.
• WP3 – Quantitative Analysis: Survey investigation on dimensions of inequality.
• WP4 – Qualitative Studies: In-depth analysis through specific case studies.
• WP5 – Operational Proposals: Development of recommendations to turn inequalities into opportunities.

The action-research approach and the two methodological levels address the need to achieve both theoretical outcomes (understanding the causes and effects of inequality) and operational outcomes (developing effective managerial practices and policy recommendations to mitigate inequalities and fragility).

The final results are expected to take the form of:

• Academic publications, enriching the scientific debate.
• A Masterplan, guiding local and institutional actors in implementing practices and policies to reduce disparities.

This requires significant effort in raising awareness among local and institutional actors, encouraging them to contribute to the project and to test practices and policies for reducing disparities.

The ultimate goal is to enhance business competitiveness and the ability to attract, strengthen, and retain human capital in the Italian Insubria region, as it is the primary resource for generating wealth, well-being, and social cohesion.

Work in progress