Proximity, productivity, and territorial justice:how urban planning can contribute to the development of an inclusive proximity economy

Since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, the proximity economy has become part of an established narrative about environmental sustainability and urban development. However, the ongoing policy discussion is often focused on public services and on specific subsectors of the economy, such as retail, that cater to a subset of the population. This paper contributes to the literature discussing the possibility to define a new urban policy framework, based on the integration of spatial and industrial innovations in urban areas. Through an in-depth conceptual discussion and the description of specific examples, we explore which key conditions may enable a mixed-use industrial-residential development able to produce cohesive territorial outcomes. The paper concludes that, to drive social and economic justice and become a true alternative to the traditional economy, the proximity economy must offer a balanced mix of traditional and innovative productive activities and services accessible and to the benefit of all residents.