The Institute of International and Administrative Sciences (IIAS) is proud to announce the release of Public Administration in Italy in Political and Historical Context: The Craft of the Italian State, edited by leading experts Edoardo Ongaro, Carla Barbati, Fabrizio Di Mascio, Francesco Longo, and Alessandro Natalini. This comprehensive volume is the first of a three-part series that delves deeply into the development of public administration, management, and governance in Italy.

This book presents a detailed examination of the societal, institutional, and political contexts of Italy’s public administration. Offering a thorough historical overview, it traces the evolution of the Italian administrative system from the establishment of Italy as a unitary state in 1861 to its current form. The book also explores the reforms that have shaped the public sector, focusing on essential components such as strategic planning, financial management, expenditure management, and performance management.

In addition to providing a historical perspective, the book highlights the reform trajectories of public services in key policy sectors such as healthcare, social care, and higher education. The contributors to this volume include some of Italy's foremost scholars in the fields of public management, political science, law, history, and economics, many of whom have served in direct administrative roles within the Italian public sector.

About the Authors:

• Edoardo Ongaro is Professor of Public Management at The Open University, UK, with extensive expertise in the field of public management and governance.
• Carla Barbati, a former Professor of Administrative Law at IULM and Councillor of State of Italy, has deep knowledge of the legal framework within which Italy’s public administration operates.
• Fabrizio Di      Mascio is Professor of Political Science at the University of Turin, Italy, with a focus on the political aspects of public administration.
• Francesco Longo is Associate Professor of Public and Health Care Management at Bocconi University, Italy, specializing in healthcare management and public sector reforms.
• Alessandro      Natalini is Professor of Political Science at LUMSA, Italy, with expertise in governance and political structures.

This book is an invaluable resource for students, researchers, and professionals in public administration, management, and governance, particularly those with an interest in the Italian context.

About the Governance and Public Management Series

Published in collaboration with Palgrave, this book series embodies our commitment to a neutral and objective voice, firmly rooted in evidence-based analysis. Dedicated to advancing the understanding of public governance and public management, the series seeks to uncover insights into causes and consequences while fostering expertise in innovation, improvement, and reform.

The series prioritizes forward-looking works that bridge theory and practice, supported by robust data and factual foundations. It aims to offer ideas and prescriptions for improvements in public governance and public management. The books address pressing global challenges, including sustainable development, the climate crisis, poverty, social inclusion, public service delivery, digital transformation, artificial intelligence (A.I.), open government, transparent and responsive governance, societal conflicts and violence, judicial systems, international conflicts and wars, and global cooperation and partnerships.