Proximity and remoteness: exploring a design and future driven approach for cultural entrepreneurship as a resource for territorial development

The paper proposes a two-fold perspective on the topic of proximity: proximity and remoteness as non- univocal and not-only geographical categorisation of territories; design-driven innovation and entrepreneurial-driven innovation to prompt cross-disciplinary educational experiences. These perspectives are illustrated through the educational process set for a Design Thinking course for master students in business innovation and entrepreneurship. The course, now at its third edition, is based on defining a possible and future innovation pattern in a small and remote context, then suitable to host an innovative entrepreneurial venture. The integration of foresight and creative abilities served to frame and develop a design project opportunity through the development of scenarios. These served to identify emerging models of alternative economic ecosystems and, possibly, new business models for innovative start-ups as a fertile ground for local economic transitions. The paper is focused on the first phase of the process, where the identification of an eligible small and remote place could be seen as the ideal setting for experimenting alternative ways for future cultural and environmentally sustainable living.