For many years now, the concept of social capital has assumed particular importance in social studies, where the debate on its definition and measurement continues to be animated. Various studies have demonstrated the connection between some measures of social capital endowment and major economic phenomena. The study of these links is particularly important in Italy, where there are wide and persistent gaps in development between the regions.
The workshop examined the results of several research projects conducted recently in the Bank of Italy on the link between social capital, on the one hand, and the behaviour of households, businesses and the public sector on the other. A roundtable discussion attended by experts from various relevant disciplines concluded the proceedings.
