In 2011 the European Community defined Corporate social responsibility (CSR) as the "responsibility of enterprises for their impacts on society". This is the result of a growing awareness in business on several issues, with particular reference to environmental protection, safety in the workplace, transparency towards consumers and, above all, the recognition of local communities as a place lived by ecosystems and people, each of them carrying specific interests, needs and ambitions.

On one hand, rural areas have a great opportunity, as they can rely on their own networks, environmental and productive resources, as well as social capital to diversify and multiply responsible behaviors within the whole territory.

Upon the other hand, institutions play a pivotal role in meeting the demands from different stakeholders. Local, regional and national governments, in fact, can work to foster good governance aimed at the development of the community and the enhancement of its local specificities.

In order to trigger the process of social responsibility in the agri-food system, INEA has identified tools and paths based on 4 macro-areas.