Abstract

When people denounce excessive bureaucracy they are referring both to the complexity of the rules that the government applies and to the specific way in which the government decides to act. In this article, rather than discussing the substantive rules to be applied, the focus is on the incentive system of the government (both for those who work in it and for those who politically lead it). The article argues, first and foremost, that the goals of politics and government must be as aligned as possible in order to promote an interpretation of the rules aimed at pursuing efficiency and welfare for citizens and businesses. Poor results are certainly the consequence of the specific individuals chosen to lead government departments, but delays, sluggishness, reluctance to take responsibility, and the failure to take decisions also depend on a general attitude of our regulatory apparatus aimed at punishing the use of discretion, considered not essential for efficiency but only risky because corruption can be hidden within it. In this regard, the National School of Administration (Sna) can play a very beneficial role and become, in addition to a school that explains how to apply existing regulations, a center for the development of ideas and solutions for effective public decision making.