Supporting Occupational Transitions in “The New Geography of Work”: Limits and Possible Developments of the Italian Labour Market Reform

Abstract

Purpose. The aim of the paper is analysing the current Italian active labour market policies system, both on the side of the governance model, and of that of the strategies and interventions promoted in order to sustain transitions in the labour market.
Design/ methodology/ approach. The paper presents a theoretical analysis of the juridical and institutional framework of active labour market policies in the light of the transitional labour market theory.
Findings. The recent Italian labour market reforms, by focusing (partially and late) on the paradigm of flexicurity, seem to neglect central questions. If one should appreciate the attempt to reform and rationalize the employment services network and to create a foundation for the development of active labour market policies, the concrete institutional solutions arranged are to be questioned.
Research limitations/implications. The paper presents some theoretical considerations in order to suggest new research paths.  Research findings show the need for empirical studies focused on analysing models and systems already established in different territories, resulting from a combination of factors like: institutional traditions; the legislative framework; decentralised collective bargaining, agreements, covenants, pacts and informal networks for the matching between labour and demand supply in specific sectors or contexts.
Originality/ value. The paper tries to shed light on dimensions which have been neglected till now, both on the side of the role and participation of different stakeholders, and on that of the measures and interventions to be prioritised in order to meet the new great transformation of work on-going.
Paper type. Research paper.

 

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