Renewable Energy Communities in Lombardy: The Influence of Local Public Bodies and the Mediating Role of Trust

Frame of the research. Renewable Energy Communities (REC), strongly supported by the European Union as a key tool to accelerate the low-carbon transition, have seen limited development in Italy, primarily due to regulatory barriers. Understanding the role of local actors and businesses is essential to foster their diffusion. Purpose of the paper. This study investigates the perception and engagement of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Lombardy region of Italy with respect to REC, focusing on the role of Local Public Bodies (LPB) in promoting these initiatives. Methodology. The research is based on a survey conducted among SMEs in Lombardy. Data were analyzed using the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test to examine differences in perceptions and engagement levels, particularly in relation to the involvement of LPB. Results. The findings reveal that SMEs show interest in participating in REC but lack adequate knowledge and awareness. The analysis highlights the pivotal role of LPB in influencing SMEs’ understanding and willingness to engage, especially through more direct and strategic communication efforts. Research limitations. The study is geographically limited to the Lombardy region and focuses solely on SMEs, which may affect the generalizability of the results to other regions or business categories. Managerial implications. Public administrators and policymakers should prioritize targeted communication and support strategies to actively involve SMEs in REC. Strengthening the role of LPB in facilitating awareness and participation can significantly advance local renewable energy initiatives. Originality of the paper. This paper offers novel insights into the interaction between SMEs and LPB in the context of REC, an area still underexplored in the literature, particularly within the Italian regulatory and territorial framework.