CONCORRENZA E POLITICA INDUSTRIALE NELLE VIE DEL CAPITALISMO ITALIANO: ASPETTI STORICI

The inadequacy of the private sector in Italy meant that the State was always the principal owner of large companies. From 1948 to the present day, those under private control followed a parabola that, initially, was supported by an adequate ruling class. Following the economic miracle of the 1960s, however, there was the effect of misguided policies, both at national and company level. They have pushed the controlling entities to prefer financial transactions aimed at maximising short-term returns, even at the cost of relocations, offshorings and sales of majority shares of companies to foreign entrepreneurs. The presence of private individuals and investors in the large companies operating in Italy has therefore been greatly reduced. The forces of development and social progress are now represented mainly by the smaller companies: it is not clear how far and how long the last major private individuals will be able to maintain their precarious financial stability.