Digital Policies of the Italian Public Sector: An Assessment of Achievements, Opportunities and Challenges

This chapter assesses the digital transformation of the Italian public sector from the 1990s to the present, drawing on a systematic review of the literature. Italy's trajectory is characterized by persistent underperformance in EU rankings, fragmented governance structures, and a legalistic administrative culture that has slowed implementation, despite significant milestones — notably the Digital Transformation Team's reforms and the COVID-19-driven acceleration. The analysis evaluates achievements and ongoing challenges across four dimensions: efficiency, effectiveness, democratic values, and cybersecurity, concluding with a forward-looking discussion of the structural reforms needed to meet the EU's 2030 digital targets.