Investing in industrial archaeology to develop knowledge and social wellbeing

This paper aims to present how the industrial archaeology may support the knowledge transfer and social wellbeing development. An inductive approach is proposed. The research strategy includes a multiple case study of Italian industrial companies that have invested in industrial archaeology since 2000. The choice of companies is based on a strategy of theoretical sampling. The findings outline how it is possible to turn old places – often degraded and abandoned – in “new” spaces for social meeting and cultural sharing by means of investments in industrial archaeology. Thanks to the mentioned changes both wellbeing and social inclusion are fostered with supporting the achieving of higher levels of social happiness. This paper proposes some Italian industrial companies that are investing in industrial archaeology to create value in a knowledge and social wellbeing development perspective in the twenty-first century.