Lessons from Two Public Sector Reforms in Italy

Author/Editor:

Nazim Belhocine ; La-Bhus Fah Jirasavetakul

Publication Date:

February 21, 2020

Electronic Access:

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Disclaimer: IMF Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to encourage debate. The views expressed in IMF Working Papers are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF, its Executive Board, or IMF management.

Summary:

The reform of the Italian public administration has been a priority for at least two decades, with several major initiatives undertaken toward modernization and simplification. Notwithstanding laudable intentions, however, progress remains limited. This analysis is a case study of two reforms since 2016—on the rationalization of state-owned enterprises and of public procurement. It finds that original reform provisions were weakened or overturned, regulatory complexity and uncertainties in the application of the reforms blunted their impact, and enforcement mechanisms were inadequate. Addressing these gaps will be essential for successfully modernizing Italy’s public administration.

Series:

Working Paper No. 2020/040

Subject:

English

Publication Date:

February 21, 2020

ISBN/ISSN:

9781513529714/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA2020040

Pages:

30

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