The proposal is based on a research project integrated with a higher education agenda finalized to explore a new approach in delivering and implementing integrated urban policies and programmes. The proposal intends to explore the potential of a new tool for renovating degraded public spaces and improving the attractiveness and accessibility of deprived urban areas by focusing on the high potential of local commercial activities. The exploration is oriented to the implementation of an innovative tools: CLUDs, Commercial Local Urban Districts, aimed at emphasizing the strategic role of small retails -handcraft and typical food- in reinforcing the sense of community, reducing transportation costs and contributing to the creation of attractive urban environment, thus producing increase of private investments. The CLUDs are designated areas, reflecting the rationale of Economic Opportunity Zones. In particular, the thematic specification of the CLUDs is related to local small retail associations that can be occurred on typical local production. The implementation of the programme is based on a networking of four EU universities (Reggio Calabria, Salford, Aalto, Rome) and two USA universities (Boston and San Diego), which all hold the leading positions in planning education, training and research in their countries. Partners will exchange staff members, early stage and Experienced researchers, around yearly seminars/meetings, workshops, and a final international symposium. The core of this network activity regards: Joint research and training activities on two main topics - public/private partnership (PPP) and urban regeneration; an international symposium on PPP in urban regeneration process. The expected result is to bring together an international and interdisciplinary group of research team for the purpose of forming an excellent centre of synergy in research and innovation transfer in the field of PPP applied to urban regeneration actions and policies.