Further achievements at the University of Foggia: a bachelor thesis explores ENGINE’s impact on rural development
On 29 October 2025, Carmela Cangi, student of the Department of Social Sciences at the University of Foggia, earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication, Public Relations and Digital Technologies with a thesis focused on the contribution of the Erasmus+ ENGINE project to rural development. The thesis was supervised by Dr. Fedele Colantuono, with Professor Mariantonietta Fiore serving as tutor, and with the support of Juliana Carina Bagetti. Her work examined how digital tools and rural influencers can boost territorial development.
The study explored the ongoing digital transformation in rural place branding, with particular attention to the emerging figure of the rural influencer as a key driver of visibility and engagement for lesser-known areas. Within this framework, the thesis illustrates the role of ENGINE in equipping young people and local entrepreneurs with digital marketing and social media skills aimed at promoting rural growth. The thesis also analysed the perceptions gathered during the rural consultation meeting held with stakeholders in the Province of Foggia in March 2025, assessing the effectiveness of digital communication strategies in conveying local identity.
The results provide practical reflections on how the ENGINE approach can enhance social and economic development by fostering entrepreneurship and innovation through digital skills and the empowerment of rural leaders.
