Through the multiscale analysis of social policies and their interaction with TCNs, MATILDE has provided concrete evidence and guidance for policy makers to improve the governance of migration at various levels. MATILDE examined factors and processes through which migration can be a driver of economic development at various levels. The project has built new knowledge about TCNs contribution on several economic dimensions and provides concrete measures, policy recommendations and best-practices that can strengthen the potential of migration to deliver significant economic benefits. Overall, the results of these analyses support more effective economic policies conducive to sustainable growth and, in the long-term, reducing conflict over scarce resources such as employment. In terms of policy impact, MATILDE has provided new knowledge on policy effectiveness at different levels. The project identified solutions and key actors that shape integration, therefore contributing to a more informed understanding of the challenges and opportunities of integration and the possible solutions to the policy voids or the lack of effective policies. MATILDE operated on the basis of a solution-oriented research approach that, while investigating the impact of migration at different levels, also identified best practices and solutions together with the subjects involved in the research activities. MATILDE has generated new scholarly knowledge by providing a conceptual and methodological framework (MATILDE matrix and toolbox) to understand TCNs impact in destination countries, regions and local contexts and their relations with situated social and economic structures. The project has therefore contributed to a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities for hosting communities and TCNs. Our place and context specified approached has led to a number of publications with significant local level impact. MATILDE addressed misperceptions related to foreign immigrants by reinforcing public awareness through the co-construction of knowledge with stakeholders at different levels Evidence-based knowledge was used to stimulate the use of a different language in public debates on migration – thereby, building more inclusive and reflective societies. Public impact in MATILDE regions was guaranteed by the embeddedness of local partners, that acted as a channel to reach a broad range of stakeholders and a logistics facilitator in order to organize and take part in local events where MATILDE results were presented to a broad range of actors. MATILDE has made a remarkable contribution to the revitalization of the remote, agricultural and mountainous places in Europe, which have been neglected over the last few decades.
MATILDE has provided guidance to design and implement policies that improve the integration of migrants, so that they are more visible as an engine of economic and social development. Especially useful has been the analysis of best practices to strengthen the potential of migration, identifying problems, solutions and key players that shape integration. It has had significant impact to identify misperceptions related to foreign immigrants, to stimulate the use of a different language in public debates on migration, reinforcing positive narratives around immigration and its people. As a local partner, we have acted as a bridge to reach a wide range of interested parties to contribute to the revitalization of the rural environment and to value that migrants have done for it and what they contribute.
