Research, Statistics and International Relations

Economic research provides essential support for the decision-making processes of Banca d'Italia in its institutional activities, such as designing monetary policy through the Governor's participation in the Governing Council of the European Central Bank, safeguarding financial stability, contributing to the work of major international organizations and institutions, and assessing economic policy measures, particularly through opinions submitted to Parliament and the Government.

Economic research

Economic research at Banca d'Italia is mainly conducted in the Economics, Statistics and Research Directorate General, assisted by branch research units for the analysis of economic and financial developments at local level. Research findings are disseminated through the Bank's official publications and scientific series, as well as through papers and articles published in books or specialist journals. Research papers are discussed at conferences and seminars held by the Bank and other institutions.

Statistics

The Bank collects, compiles and disseminates statistics within its areas of expertise. More specifically, its institutional tasks include compiling statistics on the balance of payments, general government debt, financial accounts, banking, monetary and financial activities, and the payment system. The Bank has long been conducting sample surveys on households and firms and on economic trends and topics not covered by other sources. Statistics production and processing activities are supported by methodological research, including the use of innovative methods that leverage AI capabilities and of unconventional databases (big data and administrative data).

International relations

As regards international relations and cooperation in the economic and financial fields, Banca d'Italia represents Italy in numerous organizations and institutions, and provides support for government decisions in this area. The Bank also promotes training and advisory initiatives for central banks and supervisory authorities in countries preparing to join the euro area or applying for EU membership, as well as in other emerging economies.

Sezione di approfondimento

Related Topics

  • Financial stability

    Under Italian legislation, Banca d'Italia is responsible for safeguarding the stability of the national financial system.

  • Publications

    Banca d'Italia's publications are economic, financial, historical, and legal in nature and give an account of the Bank's activities. They cater to a wide audience.

  • Statistics

    The statistics are processed, checked and disseminated according to international standards.

  • The Historical Archives

    Banca d'Italia's Historical Archives are one of the principal sources for the study of Italian economic and banking history over the past two centuries.

  • The Library

    The Paolo Baffi Economic Library and the Pietro De Vecchis Legal Library are both open to the public, especially lecturers, researchers, economists, legal experts, experts from other institutions and university students.