Human Capital Formation and Territorial Governance as Foundations of a Local Skills Economy: The Case of Corsica

Abstract

Corsica’s economic structure is characterized by a weak industrial base, the absence of large multinational corporations, and a limited presence of intermediate-sized firms typically associated with regional economic dynamism. Instead, the island economy relies predominantly on micro- enterprises, small-scale agricultural activities, artisans, and local service providers. Within this context—combined with a structurally dominant public sector—the emergence of a sustainable development trajectory depends largely on the capacity of territorial actors to mobilize endogenous resources. This chapter argues that the articulation between human capital formation, technological research, and territorial governance constitutes a fundamental lever for the emergence of a localized skills-based economy. Drawing on theoretical contributions from territorial economics and the knowledge economy, it highlights how the Corsican case illustrates the relevance of a “territorial specification” strategy based on the valorization of localized resources and collective learning processes. By emphasizing the role of higher education institutions, innovation infrastructures, and governance mechanisms, the study contributes to the understanding of how peripheral territories can build resilience and attractiveness in a context of intensified global competition.