State management of industrial development in coastal areas. The activity of the Cassa per il Mezzogiorno in Southern Italy (1957-1993)

This paper discusses Italy’s state-driven developmental intervention in the coastal areas of Southern Italy, focusing on the case of the Cassa per il Mezzogiorno between 1957 and 1993. To begin, the paper explains the governance structure and management style of the Cassa through different periods. It then examines the impact of development projects on coastal areas, focusing specifically on infrastructure projects and industrial subsidies. Data from an ongoing research project on the sectoral distribution of subsidies are analysed to compare eight metropolitan areas that are located along the coastline of Southern Italy. Differences in the sectoral composition of subsidies between areas are analysed and possible long-term implications for economic growth and the local environment are discussed.