Building Sustainability in the Relationship with the Territory. The Cammino del Duca (the Duke’s Way) of the University of Urbino

In the last few decades, universities have experienced a growing integration with their local contexts, playing a fundamental role in urban and regional development processes. In such a context, new forms of convergence between the different missions of universities have also emerged in Italy, aimed at developing and co-creating sustainability in different dimensions through the involvement of local stakeholders. This article aims to highlight the driving role that universities can play in promoting sustainable local economies, moving from the example of the Cammino del Duca [Duke’s Way] – an itinerary defined and promoted by the University of Urbino Carlo Bo in collaboration with the local sections of the Italian Alpine Club (CAI), namely Montefeltro and Gubbio. In particular, this paper pays attention to the organizational process of the Cammino, highlighting its innovative aspects and unresolved critical issues to stimulate a reflection on opportunities and constraints affecting the sustainability policies of universities in interaction with local communities.