The paper focuses on the importance of participation in strategic planning activities, by integrating traditional and innovative tools, such as Geodesign. The objective is to structure the adoption of participatory practices in ordinary procedures of public decision-making for territorial planning, describing an experience in the Medio Agri area (Basilicata, Italy). A so-called 'engaged research' has been launched that attempts to promote a more resilient and responsible territorial development process, based on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and that can be funded by the exceptional public investments currently available in Italy and Europe.