The legacy of the 1980s: Southern Italy after the failure of localism

Abstract

The contribution analyses “The legacy of the 1980s: the Midday after the failure of localism”, with attention to the context, the reading tools and the implications for policies. It is early to interpret these facts as a trend reversal compared to the intervention model prevailed in previous decades, inspired by the theories of endogenous development. A less-examined character of that model is the inevitably peculiarity that it imposes on the analysis of regional delays, often limited to the examination of the characteristics and problems of local contexts. Back to a comprehensive vision The failure of place-based policies lies in numbers: between 2001 and 2007, the real GDP of the Mezzogiorno has grown at halved rhythms compared to the Center-North (4,5 versus 9,7%). We do not know whether these trends will be confirmed in the near future, even in view of the imminent electoral deadlines that will lead to a change in government responsibilities. In any case, the possible change of address that the recent facts bear witness appears as necessary to try to stop the southern decline, proceeded in recent years with unusual rapidity.

Keywords

Half-day; Industrial policy; prices and competition; Italy; Europe; innovation

JEL codes

R58; R11; R12