3rd EPSI Conference to explore public sector economics
The Bank of Italy will host the 3rd EPSI (Economics of the Public Sector and Institutions) Conference in Rome on September 14 and 15, 2026. The event will bring together scholars to discuss the public sector's role in economic growth.
Leading scholars to discuss public sector impact
The Bank of Italy is set to host the third annual EPSI (Economics of the Public Sector and Institutions) Conference, a key forum for leading global scholars.
The conference aims to deepen understanding of the crucial role the public sector and institutions play in fostering economic growth and prosperity across advanced economies.
State intervention, ranging from establishing robust regulatory frameworks to directly providing essential public services and developing critical infrastructure, significantly shapes economic landscapes.
The effectiveness of public action and the design and enforcement of regulation are paramount, influencing vital drivers of economic growth such as human and physical capital accumulation, market functionality, and business dynamism.
This year's event will feature keynote lectures by Professor Chiara Farronato from Harvard Business School and Professor Michael Carlos Best from Columbia University, bringing cutting-edge research to the forefront of the discussion.
Call for papers on governance and market dynamics
The conference invites submissions of the highest academic quality on a broad range of topics concerning the public sector and institutions.
Key areas include public administration, public procurement, public sector employment and management, and the interplay between regulation and market competition.
Further topics encompass corporate governance, civil justice, corporate bankruptcy, organized crime, tax evasion, and corruption.
The deadline for paper submissions is April 30, 2026, with authors notified by the end of May 2025. Sponsored by the Bank of Italy, the conference will take place at its Rome headquarters.
No registration fees apply; meals and a social dinner are provided.
Economy class travel and accommodation for up to two nights are covered for successful academic applicants.
Fostering critical public sector debate
The conference provides a crucial platform for academic discourse on public sector effectiveness, a perpetually relevant topic.
Its focus on practical issues like procurement and justice highlights the direct relevance of research to contemporary policy challenges.
However, translating academic insights into actionable policy remains a persistent hurdle for such initiatives, requiring sustained engagement beyond the event itself.