Entrepreneurship and compassion training in Italian prisons: an experimental model for inclusive rehabilitation and reintegration

High recidivism rates highlight the limitations of punitive measures and narrow vocational programs. Reintegration into society requires not only access to economic opportunities but also the development of socio-emotional skills. This study examines whether entrepreneurship and compassion training can enhance reintegration outcomes. It evaluates the independent effectiveness of each intervention and explores the role of sequencing—compassion-first versus entrepreneurship-first—in shaping socio-emotional development, entrepreneurial orientation, and long-term reintegration trajectories.