Abstract
The investigation of the stakeholder’s perception on a large scale, it is a complex problem characterized by multiple actors with often conflicting values and views. The modern technologies combined with multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) can offer fundamental support to engage a large number of stakeholders. On the other hand, a structured User Reporting procedure is required to limit and overcome the typical drawbacks of data acquired by users. This chapter shows how the application of a User Reporting supported MCDA can investigate the perception and the social acceptance of wind energy in cities of southern Italy by overcoming the classical drawbacks of data acquired by users. Firstly, the stakeholders are identified and classified in clusters, in order to have homogeneous samples of Users and limits conflicting views. Secondly, the technological tool (survey administration software) is selected to reach a large number of stakeholders and squire a statistically significant number of data. Thirdly, the data are analyzed by using the Analytic Hierarchy Process to obtain a statistical graph of the user perception. Finally, the results are used in order to draw suitable guidelines useful to the Wind Energy Companies aimed at minimizing the environmental and social impact of wind power plants.