Sustainable Development Goals in a regional context: conceptualising, measuring and managing residents’ perceptions

ABSTRACT This study explores how national-level Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are implemented at the regional level in Italy by achieving three objectives: (1) conceptualising local residents’ perceptions of the SDGs; (2) creating a scale to measure these perceptions; and (3) validating this scale across Italian regions. Using a six-step methodology, including panel data analysis and surveys with 2303 respondents, this research validates key SDGs significant to Italian regions. The results provide policymakers with a framework to tailor regional policies that resonate with residents’ views on SDGs.