Contextualizing regional policy impact: A contribution to more effective policy-making

By analysing the interactions between the context in which policies are applied and the policy typologies which are implemented, it is possible to improve our understanding of policy mechanisms and to obtain more targeted and effective policies, with stronger impacts. This paper analyses the notable contributions that Italian scholars have provided to the improvement of policies through quantitative regional policy assessment studies, focusing on studies which belong to the recently flourishing literature on conditioning factors. The contribution of Italian scholars to these aspects is presented by theme, for the purpose of identifying which conditions matter for policy effectiveness. Most of the relevant literature is at a macro-meso level but also micro level papers are referenced when relevant. Some lines for currently underexplored further research avenues are also presented.