Il «Piano d’Azione Nazionale per l’Economia Sociale»: uno sguardo sociologico

This essay examines the sociological implications of Italy’s National Action Plan for the Social Economy, developed by the Ministry of Economy and Finance in response to the eu Council Recommendation of November 27, 2023. The paper situates the Plan within the European governance framework that promotes social economy as a pillar of inclusive and sustainable growth. It emphasizes the importance of multilevel implementation – especially at regional and metropolitan scales – through local laboratories such as Bologna and Turin. From a sociological standpoint, the text highlights how the Plan calls for renewed dialogue between economic sociology, welfare studies, and social innovation research. Beyond its technical content, the Plan opens a space for rethinking the social bond in contemporary societies and the relations among reciprocity, redistribution, and market exchange. The final section outlines a research agenda inspired by Franco Ferrarotti’s idea of “knowledge for action,” proposing an interpretive framework that links sociological inquiry, policy design, and social transformation.