Eredità industriale e città medie: un patrimonio marginale? Politiche di valorizzazione a confronto tra Schio (Italia) e Vierzon (Francia)

HOW MARGINAL IS MEDIUM-SIZED CITIES’ INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE? A COMPARISON BETWEEN HERITAGE POLICIES IN SCHIO (ITALY) AND VIERZON (FRANCE) This contribution inquires into heritage policies in European medium- and small-sized cities, through the cases of Schio (Italy) and Vierzon (France) and on the basis of available literature and data, as well as field research carried out between May and November 2021. Despite significant differences in economic, demografic and political terms, which highlight a certain variety among medium sized cities as a category, Schio and Vierzon are both characterized by a relevant industrial heritage, which local authorities have sought to promote since the 1970s. Such heritage often appears compelled by regulations and financial limitations, as much as disputed between divergent concepts and perspectives. However, Schio and Vierzon’s similar size seems less relevant than their respective industrial history, heritage policies and evolving regulatory, financial and symbolic framework at various scales.