Roberto Perotti is one of Italy’s most respected economists, known for combining deep academic expertise with hands-on contributions to economic policy. A Full Professor of Economics at Bocconi University and a research fellow at both IGIER and CEPR, Perotti has played a vital role in shaping modern understanding of fiscal policy, income distribution, and the political economy of reforms.
Educated at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he earned his Ph.D. under the guidance of globally renowned economists, Perotti has since built a distinguished academic career. Before returning to Italy, he held tenured positions at Columbia University and the European University Institute. His research focuses on macroeconomics and public finance, particularly on how government spending, taxation, and public debt impact long-term growth and social equity.
What sets Perotti apart is not only the intellectual depth of his research, but also his commitment to applying that knowledge to real-world challenges. Between 2014 and 2015, he served as an economic advisor to the Italian Prime Minister, leading a national spending review aimed at increasing the efficiency of public expenditures. His policy work reflected his broader academic agenda: making public budgets more transparent, equitable, and effective.
Perotti’s scholarly contributions are substantial. His work has been published in top-tier economic journals, and his books and book chapters are widely cited in discussions about fiscal consolidation, education policy, and economic reform. Among his publications, his essays and op-eds provide accessible insights for non-specialist audiences, often challenging conventional wisdom with empirical clarity.
One of his most influential public-facing works, Spendere meno si può (translated: It is possible to spend less), captures his reformist vision of Italian public finance. In it, he makes a compelling case for more efficient government spending without undermining social welfare—a principle he has advocated in both academic circles and national policymaking.
Beyond the classroom and policy arenas, Perotti’s legacy lies in his ability to mentor the next generation of economists. At Bocconi University, he is not only a professor but also a leader who instills the importance of critical thinking, evidence-based analysis, and ethical policy design in his students. His courses consistently draw high praise for their clarity, relevance, and intellectual rigor.
In addition to his teaching and advisory roles, Perotti remains an active voice in public discourse. His op-eds—published in leading Italian and international newspapers—offer thoughtful, data-driven commentary on pressing economic issues such as pension reform, public debt, and the role of education in economic growth. He is widely recognized for his ability to explain complex ideas in a way that informs and influences both policymakers and the general public.
For those interested in a full overview of his contributions—including his biography, curriculum vitae, research papers, books, teaching materials, op-eds, and data sets—his comprehensive professional archive is available online at https://rp.rperotti.com/. The site also offers downloadable presentations and working papers, making it a valuable resource for students, researchers, and policymakers alike.
In an era where bridging academic theory and public service is more critical than ever, Roberto Perotti exemplifies how economists can shape not just debates, but decisions. His work continues to influence both national discourse and international research, offering models of economic thinking that are both rigorous and reform-minded.
