Fiscal policy plays a key role in shaping a country's ability to address today's major transformations and build its future. In a context marked by geopolitical tensions, the energy transition, technological innovation and demographic change, public finance has become an increasingly strategic tool for supporting long-term growth, competitiveness and development.

The fifth edition of Leaders Talk - the series of private conversations promoted by SDA Bocconi Roma and led by Gimede Gigante, Director of the Rome Campus - featured Renato Loiero, Economic Advisor to the Prime Minister on Budget Policies, and Carlo Altomonte, Associate Dean for Stakeholder Engagement Programs, moderated by journalist Francesca Todini.

The discussion explored what it means to manage public finances in an increasingly complex international environment, where shifting global economic dynamics are imposing new priorities on public policy. In this context, striking the right balance between sound public finances and support for investment has become essential, while responding to present-day challenges with a long-term perspective.

The conversation also addressed the credibility of fiscal policy, recognised as a decisive factor in ensuring sustainable public finances. Honouring commitments made to citizens, financial markets and European partners strengthens trust in institutions and helps preserve fiscal sustainability. This responsibility also extends to future generations, which will inevitably bear the consequences of the decisions taken today.

The National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) was presented as a legacy that goes beyond the investments it has financed. Its focus on measurable objectives, performance monitoring and evaluation has introduced a working method that can strengthen, over time, the planning and implementation of public policies.

The final reflections looked ahead to the challenges of the coming years. Investment in infrastructure, innovation, energy transition, security and human capital will require ever closer coordination between public and private resources. In this context, the quality of fiscal policy decisions will remain one of the key factors in supporting the country's competitiveness and long-term growth.

With Leaders Talk, the Rome Campus continues to strengthen its role as a platform for dialogue among leading figures from Italy’s public, economic and institutional landscape on the issues shaping the country’s future decisions.