Economic research and international relations

Economic and statistical research and analysis provide fundamental support for the decisions that Banca d'Italia takes in relation to its institutional activity: the definition of monetary policy through the Governor's participation in the Governing Council of the European Central Bank; the policies for financial stability; the participation in the main international organizations and institutions; and the formulation and assessment of economic policy proposals, above all in the opinions it submits to Parliament and the Government.

Banca d'Italia also produces statistics in the fields for which it is competent (e.g. banking and finance and the balance of payments) and bases its empirical analyses and international comparisons on a wealth of data, both its own and of other institutions.

The results of Banca d'Italia's activity in the fields of research, analysis and statistical information are disseminated in official publications and its scientific series and in essays and articles published in specialized books and reviews. Research projects are discussed in conferences and seminars organized by Banca d'Italia and other entities.

Economic and statistical research at Banca d'Italia is mainly conducted in the Economics, Statistics and Research Directorate General; the analysis of economic and financial phenomena is carried out at local level by the units charged with territorial economic research.

As regards international relations and cooperation in the economic and financial fields, Banca d'Italia participates, as Italy's representative, in numerous organizations and institutions; it also provides support for the Government's decisions.

In addition, Banca d'Italia fosters training and consultancy initiatives to enhance the skills of central banks and regulatory authorities of countries preparing to join the euro area or applying to join the European Union and of 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. A part of the Bank's statistics is also available here

  • 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.