Rural-industrial policy as a multi-outcome path in the post crisis era

In this paper we discuss the role of industrial policy trying to overcome the traditional method based on sectors and factors. We adopt a kind of holistic method whose pillars are the rules and the tools on one side and the relationships between firms and other social-economic institutions on the other side. Through a process based on a stronger organisation and shared agreements among stakeholders, agriculture could be converted into a rural system. This last is the hardest step if we consider the governance capacity is largely missing. The Common Agricultural Policy does not suggest any model but highlights best practices according to the basic principles of the European Community. Conversely, the CAP enhances the risk of growth of rural components not so strong in agricultural production and does not strengthen agricultural areas having a weaker ability to self-organise their growth although mainly oriented to food production.