Dinastie d’Italia. Gli ordini tutelano davvero i consumatori?

The book collects the results of a research project on the functioning of licensed professions in Italy, carried out by the Fondazione RDB over the last two years (coordinator: Michele Pellizzari). The authors argue that even in Italy regulated professions have a significant impact on the economy. No coincidence that national and international Antitrust Authorities have repeatedly placed under examination the Italian “Ordini professionali”, reporting the existence of anticompetitive practices that reduce the supply of services and increase prices. The regulation of professions should in principle ensure an adequate level of service quality, but could also reduce competition and encourage intergenerational transmission of occupations. Familism itself is not necessarily bad, since the family may be a learning place. But family can also be the source of favoritism and nepotism. What are the political implications of family ties in licensed professions? How to ensure equal opportunities for those who wish to operate in a regulated profession, without lowering the quality of services provided?