Inside Technocracy: Features and Trajectories of Technocratic Ministers in Italy (1948-2021)

In recent times, technocratic transformations occurring in the governmental arena of European political systems have prompted growing scholarly interest. This study aims to contribute to this flourishing research agenda by examining the features of Italian technocratic ministers, the underpinnings...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Marco Improta
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Università degli Studi di Catania 2022-08-01
Series:Italian Political Science
Subjects:
Online Access:http://italianpoliticalscience.com/index.php/ips/article/view/173
Description
Summary:In recent times, technocratic transformations occurring in the governmental arena of European political systems have prompted growing scholarly interest. This study aims to contribute to this flourishing research agenda by examining the features of Italian technocratic ministers, the underpinnings of their government involvement, and the trajectories they have followed after ruling responsibility from 1948 to 2021. The main findings of the study show that: (a) there is a clear gendered pattern in technocratic appointments; (b) university professors are the most common professional category involved in technocratic appointments; (c) parties are gradually ceding core executive positions to technocratic ministers; (d) technocratic appointments are mainly driven by expertise-related considerations; (e) cases of technocratic ministerial reappointments are negligible; and (f) technocratic ministers take a formal political affiliation or join private and public top companies after government participation.
ISSN:2420-8434